Health alert issued for ready-to-eat meats illegally imported from the Philippines

Multiple ready-to-eat meat products were illegally imported from the Philippines, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue a public health alert.

The department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, or FSIS, issued the alert on Wednesday, according to a news release. 

The items were shipped to Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, the FSIS said, adding that the Philippines is not eligible to export meat and poultry products to the U.S.

Impacted products include:

• 150, 175 and 260-gram cans of Argentina brand corned beef
• 150 and 210-gram cans of Purefoods corned beef
• 150 and 190-gram cans of Chunkee corned beef
• 7.43-ounce jars of Lady's Choice chicken spread

FSIS said it is investigating how the products got into the U.S., adding that it noticed the issue while doing routine surveillance at a retailer. The agency found meat and poultry products from the Philippines and realized they’d been illegally imported to the U.S. 

According to the agency, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the products but anyone with concerns should contact a doctor.

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The agency’s concern is that restaurant owners and customers may have the products in their pantries or retailers may have them on the floor for sale.

“Retailers who have purchased the products are urged not to sell them,” the FSIS said. “Consumers and restaurants who have purchased these products are urged not to consume or serve them.”

FSIS asked that consumers double bag the products when throwing them away so animals can’t get into them. 

“(The) USDA cannot confirm whether the products were properly heated to control pathogens of concern to domestic livestock and poultry,” the agency said.

Consumers with questions can contact (646) 669-4020 or [email protected].

Consumers with food safety questions can also call the toll-free USDA meat and poultry hotline at (888) 674-6854 or send a question via email to [email protected].

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].