USDA issues a public health alert about meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Philippines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Philippines.

The problem was discovered when FSIS conducted routine surveillance activities at a retailer and found meat and poultry products from the Philippines that are ineligible for export to the US.

The Philippines is not eligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS continues to investigate how these products entered the country.

FSIS is concerned that certain products are in consumer and restaurant pantries and on retailer shelves.

These items were shipped to restaurant and retail locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia.

Products subject to the public health alert:

• 150 gram can of “Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF.”
• 175 gram can of “Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF.”
• 260 gram can of “Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF.”
• 150 gram can of “PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF.”
• 210 gram can of “PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF.”
• 150 gram can of “CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF.”
• 190 gram can of “CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF.”
• 7.43 oz. jar of “Lady’s Choice Chicken Spread.”

The products to which the public health alert applies are not provided with information about the production facility. Product images can be viewed here.

At the time this public health alert was posted, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Retailers who purchased the products are urged not to sell them. Consumers and restaurants who have purchased these products are urged not to consume or serve them. Consumers are asked to double bag the product when discarding it to reduce the chance of animals gaining access to the product as USDA cannot confirm whether the products have been properly heated to control pathogens of concern are for pets and poultry.

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