Key Details
- Date Issued: November 22, 2024
- Announced by: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Company Name: MEXDIS, LLC
- Product Name: INCA GRASA COMESTIBLE DE SEBO BOVINO (edible beef tallow)
- Issue: Illegally imported and ineligible for U.S. consumption due to lack of certification and inspection.
- Details: 1 kg or 500-g packages distributed in Arizona.
- Action Needed: Consumers and retailers should dispose of or return the products.
Stick around to uncover the details and ensure you’re in the know about this latest food recall!
What happened?
On November 22, 2024, the FSIS issued a public health alert for beef tallow products imported from Mexico by brand INCA GRASA that failed to meet U.S. inspection and certification standards. The issue arose during routine FSIS surveillance, where inspectors discovered these products at a retailer. They were not certified for export by the Mexican government and lacked the required U.S. reinspection. The affected products were distributed to retailers in Arizona but bore no USDA establishment number or inspection mark, raising immediate food safety concerns.
Affected products:
Brand | Product | Size | Issue |
INCA GRASA | Edible Beef Tallow | 1-kg, 500-g | No certification; unfit for import |
What caused the issue?
This alert highlights several regulatory lapses:
- Cause: Failure to meet USDA import requirements, including certification, inspection, and labeling.
- Health Risks: While no illnesses have been reported, uncertified products pose risks of contamination or unregulated processing standards.
- At-Risk Groups: All consumers should avoid consumption; those with compromised immunity are especially advised to steer clear.
Here’s What You Should Do
Consumers and retailers must take action to ensure food safety:
- Dispose of or Return: Do not consume the affected products. Return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them securely.
- Check Labels: Look for “INCA GRASA COMESTIBLE DE SEBO BOVINO” in 1-kg or 500-g packages without a USDA inspection mark or establishment number.
- Contact Information: For inquiries, reach out to MEXDIS, LLC at
- Number: 520-455-7239
- Mail: [email protected].
If you have additional food safety concerns, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or use their online complaint system.
Behind the brand
MEXDIS, LLC, a distributor specializing in importing food products from Mexico, is at the center of the recent recall involving illegal beef tallow imports flagged by the FSIS. While this incident is significant, it is not an isolated case. Similar issues have been raised in the past, highlighting the challenges of maintaining stringent food import standards.
Earlier this year, illegally imported meat and poultry products from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar were also found in the U.S., prompting a public health alert. These products bypassed standard inspection protocols, raising concerns about their safety for consumption. The FSIS identified these violations during routine surveillance, underscoring the need for robust oversight in food importation practices. Both cases serve as reminders of the potential risks posed by unverified imports, including health hazards and erosion of consumer trust in food supply chains.
Ensuring safe eats
Companies must ensure:
- Proper Certification: All imported goods meet USDA standards.
- Clear Labeling: Products must display appropriate inspection and establishment numbers.
- Proactive Oversight: Regular audits of supply chain partners prevent such issues.
For consumers, it’s a reminder to check labels, stay informed about recalls, and report any concerns to the authorities.
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