Anonymous tip leads to USDA recall of beef, chicken empanada products

SAS Foods Enterprises Inc. is recalling more than 3,700 pounds of beef and chicken empanada products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. They also have a false USDA mark of inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

“The problem was discovered after FSIS received an anonymous tip and initiated an investigation,” according to the FSIS recall announcement.

“FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

Consumers can use the following information to determine whether they have the recalled products in their homes.

• 1-lb. zip-lock bags or clear, plastic containers with “SAS Food EMPANADAS DE POLLO CHICKEN PATTIES.”

• 1-lb. zip-lock bags or clear, plastic containers with “SAS Food EMPANADAS DE CARNE BEEF PATTIES.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 38548” inside the USDA mark of inspection; however, the recalling company has no affiliation with Establishment 38548. No other identifying information, such as dates or lot code numbers, was provided in the recall notice.

Click here for photos of recalled products and their labels.

SAS Foods Enterprises Inc., based in Elk Grove Village, IL, reported the items were shipped to retail consignees in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The frozen, fully cooked beef and chicken empanada items were produced on various dates from Jan. 1, 2020, through Sept. 11, 2021.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

FFSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Stella Londono, Administration, SAS Foods Enterprises Inc. at [email protected] or at 847-275-1690.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to [email protected]. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

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