WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2001 –Tastie Farms
Inc., an Allanuchy, N.J., import firm, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 164,000 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:
- "AMERICA’S CHOICE CORNED BEEF PRODUCT OF BRAZIL,"
- "Tastie Farms Corn Crib CORNED BEEF WITH JUICES PRODUCT OF
BRAZIL,"
- "IBERIA Corned Beef in Natural Juices PRODUCT OF BRAZIL,"
- "La Cena CORNED BEEF WITH JUICES PRODUCT OF BRAZIL," and
- "PRICE RITE CORNED BEEF PRODUCT OF BRAZIL."
The bottom of each can is embossed with "BRASIL INSPECIONADO 3031
S.I.F." The products were produced between Jan. 5 and Dec. 27, 2001,
and distributed to retail establishments nationwide.
The products may contain edible or inedible beef by-products that are
not declared on the labels.
"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 these products are prohibited in
the United States. We urge consumers to return these products 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 these products. 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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