Health warning due to illegally imported beef and chicken products

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a health alert to the public regarding ready-to-eat meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Philippines.

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The Philippines is not allowed to export meat and poultry products to the United States, making it illegal to possess these products in the U.S. market. The FSIS is currently investigating how the products entered the country.

This alert comes after these products were discovered during routine surveillance at a retailer.

The affected products were distributed to restaurants and retail stores in nine states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia.

Product details

• 150 g can of CORNED BEEF from Argentina
• 175 g can of CORNED BEEF from Argentina
• 260 g can of CORNED BEEF from Argentina
• 150g can PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF
• 210g can PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF
• 150g can CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF
• 190g can CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF
• 7.43 oz jar of Lady’s Choice Chicken Spread

Consumer and commercial litigation

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. They are instructed to dispose of them carefully and to double-bag them to prevent possible access by animals. This precaution is necessary because the USDA cannot confirm whether the products have been sufficiently heated to combat pathogens that could affect livestock and poultry.

Retailers and restaurants that have purchased the products are urged not to sell or serve them.

Consumers with questions or concerns should contact John Ducar, owner of Redsealuxury, LLC, by phone at 646-669-4020 or by email at (email protected).

Health risks

Although no side effects have been reported to date, consumers who have been exposed to the products and feel unwell should contact their doctor.

A national food safety advocate commented on this article: “I applaud FSIS for acting quickly and issuing this alert to protect public health. Consuming products from unapproved sources can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness. I advise any consumer or business in possession of the affected products to follow FSIS’s instructions for disposal.”