FL Establishment Recalls RTE Empanada Products Produced Without USDA Inspection

Q’Delicia, a Jacksonville, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 639 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry empanada products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities when it was determined that the empanada products did not have the USDA mark of inspection and were produced in a facility that was not inspected by USDA. The products were also distributed without a list of ingredients. As a result of not receiving inspection, FSIS is concerned these products may not be safe for human consumption.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/qdelicia-recalls-ready-eat-empanada-products-produced-without-benefit-inspection
Q’Delicia Recalls Ready-To-Eat Empanada Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2023 – Q’Delicia, a Jacksonville, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 639 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry empanada products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat meat and poultry empanada items were produced from February of 2023 to October of 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
1.25-lb. and 6.25-lb. plastic bags containing “Q’Delicia DE EMPANADA BEEF” and “Q’Delicia DE EMPANADA MEAT GLUTEN FREE.”
1.25-lb. and 6.25-lb. plastic bags containing “Q’Delicia DE EMPANADA CHICKEN” and “Q’Delicia DE EMPANADA CHICKEN GLUTEN FREE.”

The products do not bear any identifying marking, such as lot codes, best by dates, establishment number or USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurants and retail locations in Florida.

The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities when it was determined that the empanada products did not have the USDA mark of inspection and were produced in a facility that was not inspected by USDA. The products were also distributed without a list of ingredients. As a result of not receiving inspection, FSIS is concerned these products may not be safe for human consumption.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness or reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ or retailers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. Retailers are urged not to sell these products. 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 Alejandro Gallego, Manager, Q’Delicia, at deliciascolombianasjax@outlook.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.