Approximately 3,768 pounds of beef and chicken empanada products produced without the benefit of federal inspection and bearing a label with a false U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mark of inspection were recalled on September 13, 2021. SAS Foods Enterprises, an Elk Grove Village, IL business, recalled the products, and it was also found that the products all had a label with a false USDA mark of inspection, says USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
FSIS received an anonymous tip and initiated an investigation, and it was then that the problem was discovered.
The frozen, fully cooked beef and chicken empanada items were produced on various dates from January 1, 2020 through September 11, 2021. The following products are subject to recall:
- 1-lb. zip-lock bags or clear, plastic containers with “SAS Food EMPANADAS DE POLLO CHICKEN PATTIES.”
- 1-lb. zip-lock bags or clear, plastic containers with “SAS Food EMPANADAS DE CARNE BEEF PATTIES.”
The recalled products list establishment number "EST. 38548" inside their USDA mark of inspection; however, SAS Foods Enterprises has no affiliation with Establishment 38548. The products were shipped to retail consignees in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions from consumers due to consumption of these products. Consumers who have purchased the products are urged by FSIS to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
