The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding ready-to-eat pork mortadella products illegally imported from Ecuador. Ecuador is not eligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States.
Background
FSIS discovered the issue during routine surveillance activities at a warehouse where they found the illegally imported pork mortadella bologna products that did not have a USDA mark of inspection.
The agency is investigating how these products entered the country. More products could be affected.
Distribution
The affected products were distributed to retail outlets in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
Product Details
- Product Name – Mortadela ESPECIAL BOLOGNIA
- Size – 1 lb
- Packaging – Vacuum sealed clear plastic
The affected products do not bear a USDA mark of inspection.
Consumer Action
FSIS is concerned that some of these items may still be in consumers’ freezers.
Consumers who have bought these items are urged not to consume them and should either discard the products or return them to the place of purchase.
Retailers who have purchased these products are advised not to sell them.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact Veronica Vasquez, President, Ecuatorianita Imports & Exports, LLC by phone at 732-309-0183 or by email at [email protected].
Consumers with additional food safety questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline by phone at 888-674-6854 or by email at [email protected].
Health Risks
As of the announcement, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. However, consumers who have been exposed to the impacted items, and are feeling ill, should contact a medical provider.
The USDA mark of inspection is important because it assures consumers that a particular product is safe and accurately labeled and packaged. The inspection stamp on the label indicates that the product has been inspected and is safe to eat. The number on the stamp identifies the plant where the product was produced.
Commenting on this article, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “The lack of USDA mark of inspection on this food item is concerning. Any consumer that has purchased the product should return it to the store or throw it away to minimize any risk to themselves or their family.”
