USDA - FSIS is issuing a public health alert for imported frozen Siluriformes products that were illegally imported from the People’s Republic of China and are ineligible for entry into the United States. The products were not certified for export to the U.S. by the government of China as being produced under equivalent inspection, they do not identify a certified establishment number on their packaging, and they were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection as required.
Description & Characteristics (from http://www.cport.net/product/view/striped-pangasius)
"Striped Pangasius are farm raised, primarily in the Mekong Basin of southern Vietnam. Striped Pangasius is a scale-less, freshwater fish that like Tilapia, has gained a lot of commercial popularity in the US within the last 10 years. Originally imported and marketed as Basa or Catfish, the fish now is only accepted by FDA to be marketed and sold as Striped Pangasius, Swai or Tra. The changes and variety in acceptable market names have caused some confusion - the safest way to know what you are buying is to refer to the scientific name: Pangasius hypophthalmus. Because of its fast growth rate (6-9 months) there is steady supply, and availability is year-round. Striped Pangasius is a white fish, with mild flavor and a firm texture - allowing for versatile cooking applications. Our brand Sea Port Panga® comes in a bright colorful case, available in both bulk and IVP (ready for retail) packaging."
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ineligible-frozen-siluriformes-products-imported
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Frozen Siluriformes Products Imported from the People’s Republic of China
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, March. 21, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for imported frozen Siluriformes products that were illegally imported from the People’s Republic of China and are ineligible for entry into the United States. The products were not certified for export to the U.S. by the government of China as being produced under equivalent inspection, they do not identify a certified establishment number on their packaging, and they were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection as required. These factors make the products ineligible to import into the U.S. and unfit for human consumption. FSIS is working with other agencies to investigate how these products entered the country.
The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:
12-oz. (340 g) plastic packages containing “FROZEN STRIPED PANGASIUS MAWS.”
The products subject to the public health alert do not bear any producing establishment information or import marks on the labels and are packed in plain white shipping cartons devoid of labels or markings. These items are believed to have been shipped to retail and wholesale locations in New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities conducted at a wholesaler. By law, commercial imports of meat, poultry, and egg products must be produced in certified establishments in eligible countries, and these products must be presented to FSIS for import reinspection prior to entering U.S. commerce. Raw Siluriformes fish products from specific establishments in China are eligible for importation provided the raw materials originate from a certified establishment (Eligible Foreign Establishments – China (usda.gov)).
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in retailers’ and consumers’ freezers or refrigerators. Retailers who have purchased the products are urged not to sell them. Consumers who purchased the products should not consume them and need to dispose of them properly. Consumers are asked to dispose of the products by double bagging them to reduce the possibility of animals accessing the products.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Susie Yang, Accountant, Fuxin USA Inc at 347-881-9899 or fuxinusa@gmail.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/.
The products subject to the public health alert do not bear any producing establishment information or import marks on the labels and are packed in plain white shipping cartons devoid of labels or markings. These items are believed to have been shipped to retail and wholesale locations in New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities conducted at a wholesaler. By law, commercial imports of meat, poultry, and egg products must be produced in certified establishments in eligible countries, and these products must be presented to FSIS for import reinspection prior to entering U.S. commerce. Raw Siluriformes fish products from specific establishments in China are eligible for importation provided the raw materials originate from a certified establishment (Eligible Foreign Establishments – China (usda.gov)).
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in retailers’ and consumers’ freezers or refrigerators. Retailers who have purchased the products are urged not to sell them. Consumers who purchased the products should not consume them and need to dispose of them properly. Consumers are asked to dispose of the products by double bagging them to reduce the possibility of animals accessing the products.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Susie Yang, Accountant, Fuxin USA Inc at 347-881-9899 or fuxinusa@gmail.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/.
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