WASHINGTON, June 28, 2017–Vinh Hoan USA, Inc., a Tustin, Calif. firm, is recalling approximately 84,000 pounds of imported frozen Swai fillet products that were distributed into U.S. commerce without meeting federal requirements, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The frozen Swai fillets were produced on various dates between Dec. 16, 2016 and Jan. 7, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:
- 15-lb. cases containing “MEKONG MASTER Frozen Swai Fillet,” with lot code VN 147 VI 1355 and “BEST BEFORE” dates of “12162018,” “12172018” and “12192018."
- 15-lb. cases containing “MEKONG MASTER Frozen Swai Fillet,” with lot code VN 147 VI 1351 and “BEST BEFORE” dates of “12232018,” “12242018” and “12252018.”
- 15-lb. cases containing “MEKONG MASTER Frozen Swai Fillet,” with lot code VN 147 VI 1354 and “BEST BEFORE” dates of “01052019,” “01062019” and “01072019.”
The products subject to recall do not bear the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to wholesale locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.
The problem was discovered when the import establishment notified FSIS personnel of Swai products entering U.S. commerce without meeting FSIS regulatory requirements for imported Siluriformes. The products were imported from Vietnam and failed to comply with FSIS requirements concerning residue sampling and testing prior to entry into U.S. commerce.
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.
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.
FSIS 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(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Max Basch, Vice President of Sales, Vinh Hoan USA, Inc., at (714) 573-3458.
Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.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 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.