Congressional and Public Affairs
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Peggy Riek

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2009 – Paisano Meat, Inc., a Gardena, Calif., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 350,000 pounds of beef and pork products because they may contain undeclared sulfites, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Sulfites can be a health hazard to individuals who are sensitive to sulfites.

The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels] 1-pound bags of "PAISANO SEASONED BEEF STYLE YECAPIXTLA, Cecina de Res Estilo Yecapixtla." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 18654-A." 5-pound bags of "GROUND SEASONED PORK, COLORED WITH ANNATTO". Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 18654." 5-pound bags of "PAISANO, SMALL BONELESS BEEF CUBES, ASADITA." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 18654." 5-pound bags of "BEEF CHUNKY STEAK PICADO." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 18654." 5-pound bags of "GROUND BEEF, CARNE MOLIDA." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 18654." 5-pound bags of "Paisano Meat Inc., Boneless Shredded Beef (MACHACA), Made Fresh." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 18654." 10-pound bags of EL ALTEÑO, SABOR Y CALIDAD, CECINA DE RES ESTILO YECAPIXTLA, Seasoned Beef." Each bag bears the establishment number "EST. 18654-A." Two 10-pound bags in 20-pound boxes of "PAISANO, SEASONED BEEF YECAPIXTLA, Cecina de Res Estilo Yecapixtla." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 18654-A" or "EST. 18654-C."
The beef and pork products are not identified with production or package or case codes on the bags or boxes. These beef and pork products were distributed to food service institutions, lunch wagons and retail establishments in southern California. The problem was discovered by FSIS during an investigation into a complaint sent to the Agency. FSIS has received no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a physician.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact company President Jose Lopez at 310-352-6403.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.