Brazilian Pork Detained

April 15, 2002

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is detaining an undetermined amount of pork products that entered the country improperly from Brazil. FSIS also is working with GINGA Brasil, Inc., a Brookfield, CT, establishment, to recall the product, which the firm imported.

The products were produced in a facility that is not eligible to export to the United States. The products were distributed to retail stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Consumers who have purchased any product that bears on its label, "BRASIL INSPECIONADO 1 S.I.F," are urged not to eat it but to return it to the place of purchase.

"These products could present a health hazard to consumers, because they have not been inspected by an establishment eligible to export to the U.S., nor have these products been re-inspected by USDA," said Ron Hicks, acting FSIS administrator. "FSIS has taken immediate steps to remove this product from commerce and is investigating whether any unlawful actions have occurred."

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Silvia Lucente, company representative, at (203) 740-1733. 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.