WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2001 –Transmundo,
Inc., a Miami, Fl., import firm, is voluntarily recalling an undetermined
amount 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 may contain edible or inedible
beef by-products that are not declared on the label. The recalled products
are as follows:
- 12 ounce cans of "Celebrity CORNED BEEF with 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 nationwide.
Embossed on the top of the cans are the following identification
codes: "J281 M1," and "J301 M1."
- 12 ounce cans of "Jamaican Country Style Brand CORNED BEEF with
juices PRODUCT OF BRAZIL." The bottom of each can is embossed
with "BRASIL INSPECIONADO 3031 S.I.F." The product was
produced between Sept. 4 and Sept. 21, 2001, and distributed to retail
establishments nationwide.
Embossed on the top of the cans are the following identification
codes: "O041M," "O051M," "O171MA,"
"O181M," "O191A," "O201M," and
"O211M."
- 12 ounce cans of "Dely CORNED BEEF WITH JUICES PRODUCT OF
BRAZIL." The bottom of each can is embossed with "BRASIL
INSPECIONADO 3031 S.I.F." The product was produced between July
28 and Sept. 1, 2001, and distributed to retail establishments in
Puerto Rico.
Embossed on the top of the cans are the following identification
codes: "J281M," "K031M," "K041M,"
"K181M," "K211A," "K291M" and
"O011M."
- 12 ounce cans of "GRANDE CORNED BEEF PRODUCTO DE BRASIL."
The bottom of each can is embossed with "BRASIL INSPECIONADO 3031
S.I.F." The product was produced between July 31 and Oct. 1,
2001, and distributed to retail establishments in Puerto Rico.
Embossed on the top of the cans are the following identification
codes: "J311M," "K031M," "K201M,"
"K281M," "P191M" and "K201A."
"FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome,
and accurately labeled," said Margaret Glavin, 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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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov |
FSIS AND LABELS FSIS requires that labels must be informative, truthful, and
accurate.
FSIS is responsible for verifying that labels
bear mandatory features and other required information in a conspicuous and legible
manner.
FSIS wants to ensure that incorrectly labeled
products are kept out of consumers hands by identifying and removing them from the
marketplace as quickly and efficiently as possible.
FSIS wants consumers to be aware of the
possibility of economic adulteration and have sufficient information to identify such
mislabeled products and take action. |