USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Imported Beef Tallow

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for beef tallow products that were illegally imported from Mexico. The specific products are 1-kg or 500-g bag packages containing “INCA GRASA COMESTIBLE DE SEBO BOVINO” (edible fat from beef tallow). These items were not certified for export to the U.S. by the government of Mexico, do not identify a certified establishment number on their packaging, and were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection as required. Consequently, the products are ineligible for import into the United States and are considered unfit for human consumption.

The products were shipped to distribution and retail locations in Arizona. The issue was discovered when FSIS performed surveillance activities at a retailer and found beef tallow products from an unverified supplier in Mexico. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Retailers who have purchased the products are urged not to sell them.

The recalled product

Product

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Beef Tallow Products Imported From Mexico

Category

Food — Beef Tallow

Hazard

• import-violation
• unfit-for-consumption

Distribution

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