The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has issued a public health alert for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Philippines.
In an announcement posted on FSIS’ website, the agency said the Philippines is not eligible to export meat and poultry products to the US, raising concerns about their safety and compliance.
The products subject to the FSIS public health alert were identified as follows:
- 150-g. can of "Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF."
- 175-g. can of "Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF."
- 260-g. can of "Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF."
- 150-g. can of "PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF."
- 210-g. can of "PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF."
- 150-g. can of "CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF."
- 190-g. can of "CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF."
- 7.43-oz. jar of "Lady's Choice Chicken Spread."
According to FSIS, the agency discovered these “not eligible” products during routine surveillance activities at a retailer.
“These items were shipped to restaurant and retail locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia,” FSIS said.
“FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country,” it added.
However, FSIS clarified that there had been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to the consumption of these products
Still, FSIS said that consumers, including restaurants and retailers, are advised not to consume or serve the affected products and to dispose of them properly.
Retailers are further instructed not to sell these items to prevent any potential health risks.