WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2001 –R.B.I. Company
Inc., a Cliffside Park, N.J., import firm, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 36,000 pounds of imported Brazilian canned corned beef that
is incorrectly labeled, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety
and Inspection Service announced today.
The products subject to recall are 12 ounce cans of "Puro
CORNED BEEF WITH NATURAL JUICES PRODUCT OF BRAZIL." The bottom of
each can is embossed with "BRASIL INSPECIONADO 3031 S.I.F." The
product was produced between Jan. 5 and Dec. 27, 2001, and distributed to
retail establishments in New Jersey and New York.
The product may contain edible or inedible beef by-products that are
not declared on the label.
"FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome,
and accurately labeled," said Ron Hicks, acting FSIS administrator.
"Some of the ingredients found in this product are prohibited in the
United States. We urge consumers to return the product to the point of
purchase."
The problem was discovered during a routine FSIS re-inspection at
import. Brazilian establishment #3031 has been audited by the Brazilian
government. The establishment has been de-listed by the Brazilian
government and can no longer export to the United States.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with
consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should
contact a physician.
Media and consumers with questions about the recall may contact Jerome
Breiter, spokesperson, Western Hemisphere Association for Meat Marketers,
at (435) 940-9035.
Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat
and Poultry Hotline at l-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from l0
a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food
safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
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