The Recall Desk
Agency classPublic Health AlertOur severity:HighUSDA FSIS·PHA-05022024-01·Announced 2024-05-02

Raw Pork Chorizo Recalled Due to Possible Plastic and Metal Contamination

USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for raw pork chorizo from San Antonio Packing Company due to possible hard plastic and metal contamination.

The agency’s classification

USDA FSIS: Public Health Alert

Public Health Alert is a warning FSIS issues when there is a food-safety concern but a recall is not requested, typically because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (foreign matter including metal and plastic) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for raw pork chorizo products produced by San Antonio Packing Company. The alert was issued because the product may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically hard plastic and metal. The affected product consists of 12-oz. vacuum-sealed packages of "LEAN apco BRAND MEATS ALL NATURAL PREMIUM CHORIZO" with a best-by date of 5/12/24. The product bears the establishment number "EST. 602" inside the USDA mark of inspection and was distributed to H-E-B grocery stores in Texas.

The issue was identified after the firm notified FSIS of a consumer complaint reporting that pieces of hard plastic and metal were found in the raw pork chorizo. FSIS states that a formal recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. However, the agency is concerned that some product may still be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of this product. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it. The product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

The recalled product

Product
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Pork Chorizo Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Brand
San Antonio Packing Company
Manufacturer
San Antonio Packing Company
Category
Food — Raw Meat
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed in 1 state:

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