Congressional and Public Affairs
Matt Baun (202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2001 –Sampco, Inc., a Chicago, Ill., import firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 151,200 pounds of imported Brazilian canned corned beef that is incorrectly labeled, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products subject to recall are 12 ounce cans of "Hormel Corned Beef Product of Brazil." The bottom of each can is embossed with "BRASIL INSPECIONADO 3031 S.I.F." The product was produced between May 5 and July 17, 2001, and distributed to retail establishments in Puerto Rico.

The product may contain edible or inedible beef by-products that are not declared on the label.

"FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Margaret Glavin, acting FSIS administrator. "Some of the ingredients found in this product are prohibited in the United States. We urge consumers to return the product to the point of purchase."

The problem was discovered during a routine FSIS re-inspection at import. Brazilian establishment #3031 has been audited by the Brazilian government. The establishment has been de-listed by the Brazilian government and can no longer export to the United States.

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

Media and consumers with questions about the recall may contact David Morrison, company president, at (312) 346-1506.

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.

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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov

FSIS requires that labels must be informative, truthful, and accurate.

FSIS is responsible for verifying that labels bear mandatory features and other required information in a conspicuous and legible manner.

FSIS wants to ensure that incorrectly labeled products are kept out of consumers’ hands by identifying and removing them from the marketplace as quickly and efficiently as possible.

FSIS wants consumers to be aware of the possibility of economic adulteration and have sufficient information to identify such mislabeled products and take action.

Class I This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

Class II This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.

Class III This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.