Saker ShopRites, Inc. recalls empanadas due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen

Saker ShopRites, Inc, a Linden, NJ. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,757 pounds of pork and chicken empanadas due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced.
calendar icon 15 February 2018
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The products contain egg, a known allergen, which is not listed in the ingredient statement on the label, making this a Class I recall.

The fully cooked pork and chicken empanadas were produced between 7 October 2017 and 12 February 2018. There have been no reports of injuries. The following products are subject to recall.

  • 9-oz. vacuum-packed plastic packages containing three pieces of “3 pk CHICKEN EMPANADA wheat shell filled with seasoned chicken” with various expiration dates between Oct. 15, 2017 and Feb. 20, 2018.
  • 6-oz. vacuum-packed plastic packages containing three pieces of “2 pk CHICKEN EMPANADA wheat shell filled with seasoned chicken” with various expiration dates between Oct. 15, 2017 and Feb. 20, 2018.
  • 9-oz. vacuum-packed plastic packages containing three pieces of “3 pk PORK EMPANADA wheat shell filled with seasoned pork” with various expiration dates between Oct. 15, 2017 and Feb. 20, 2018
  • 6-oz. vacuum-packed plastic packages containing three pieces of “2 pk PORK EMPANADA wheat shell filled with seasoned pork” with various expiration dates between Oct. 15, 2017 and Feb. 20, 2018.
  • The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 5495” or “EST. P-5495” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in New Jersey.

The problem was discovered by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) personnel during routine label verification activities.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness 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, here.

This incident affects 29 ShopRite stores and the Dearborn Market. ShopRite is asking customers to return the affected products for a full refund or replacement.

Customer questions or concerns can be directed to +1 (800) ShopRite (+1 (800) 746-7748). Media with questions about the recall can contact Karen O’Shea at +1 (732) 906-5932.

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 10am to 6pm (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.

USDA Recall Classifications:

  • Class I: This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
  • Class II: This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
  • Class III: This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.

As reported by USDA FSIS

Ryan Johnson

Editor at The Poultry Site

Ryan worked in conservation from 2008 to 2017, during which time he operated a rainbow trout hatchery and helped to maintain public and protected green spaces in Canada for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. As editor of The Poultry Site, he now writes about challenges and opportunities in agriculture across the globe.

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