Bronson Urges Public To Dispose Of Potentially Tainted Pork Crackling Product
For Information, Contact:
Terence McElroy
(850) 488-3022
May 20, 2008
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today urged consumers to dispose of a pork crackling product produced by Sofia Chicharones Inc. of Miami and sold at the company’s retail store on May 12 due to possible salmonella contamination.
The health alert was initiated after the product tested positive for salmonella during a routine microbiological sampling by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA has determined that the product is no longer available for sale but is concerned that packages of the snack food remain in the homes of consumers.
“It is important that consumers do not consume this product,” Bronson said. “We would encourage customers of the store in which it was sold to check your kitchen shelves to make sure that you don’t have this product, and if you do, it should be discarded.”
The potentially tainted product was sold in 1-pound and 5-pound bags on May 12 and is labeled “FULLY COOKED PORK CRACKLINGS WITH ATTACHED SKIN.” Each package bears a label with the establishment number “EST.21055" inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a packed date of “051208-1.”
Bronson noted that there have been no reports of any foodborne illness associated with the product.
Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can be life threatening to those with compromised immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, persons with HIV infection or those undergoing chemotherapy. For most people, the most common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and fever.
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