3,768 Pounds Of Frozen Empanada With 'False' Mark Of Inspection Recalled In 5 States

A company is recalling its empanada products that did not undergo federal inspection after they were shipped to five states.

Illinois-based SAS Foods Enterprises is recalling about 3,768 pounds of its frozen, fully cooked chicken and beef empanada products because they were "produced without the benefit of federal inspection," the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) noted in an announcement Monday.

Moreover, the products' label had a "false USDA mark of inspection," the agency said. Specifically, it had the establishment number "EST. 38548" on the mark of inspection even if it "has no affiliation" with the said establishment.

The FSIS conducted an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip. It is the FSIS' responsibility to ensure the "safety and integrity" of meat, poultry and egg products in the U.S. and it does this through daily inspections by thousands of inspectors across the country.

The products affected by the recall are the 1-pound ziplock bags or clear plastic containers of "SAS Food EMPANADAS DE POLLO CHICKEN PATTIES" and "SAS Food EMPANADAS DE CARNE BEEF PATTIES." They were produced from Jan. 1, 2020, until recently on Sept. 11, 2021. Photos of the products' packaging are available here.

"These items were shipped to retail consignees in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin," the agency said. "FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers."

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of any adverse reactions related to the consumption of the recalled products. However, the agency is urging people not to eat them and instead throw them away or take them back to where they were bought.

Those who may have questions about the recall may contact the company at sasfoodinc@hotmail.com, while those who may have questions in general about food safety may call the USDA at 1-888-MPHotline (1888-674-6854). The agency also has a 24-hour complaint monitoring system for those who may want to report an issue with meat, egg or poultry products here.

"Here, you can report foodborne incidents such as illness, foreign object, injury, allergic reaction, mislabeling, and off-taste, color, or appearance involving meat, poultry, and processed egg products regulated by the USDA FSIS," the agency noted.