Apia, SAMOA— “Physical verification & examination of the corned beef product carried out by our Food Safety Officers found unusual meat products,” said Samoa’s Ministry of Health (MOH) Chief Executive Officer Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, regarding Farmers Corned Beef that’s been recalled in Samoa since last week, and revealed in an email to Samoa News yesterday evening. The MOH notice has been televised since last week and emails to the CEO were sent immediately regarding the recall notice.
A week later, Leausa replied, noting that the process resulting in the recall of Farmers Corned Beef was initiated after public complaints noting contamination of the corned beef with flesh or tissue which some found suspicious, thinking it was not beef.
According to the MOH, the recall notice was publicized for all local suppliers, the supermarkets and retail outlets, advising them not to sell the Farmers Style Corned Beef brand.
“The Ministry of Health requests the co-operation of the business community and the public in this important matter. The local suppliers, all supermarkets, and retail outlets are advised not to sell the FARMERS style CORNED BEEF to the public until further notice.
The Public is hereby advised that FARMERS style CORNED BEEF with the above mentioned information should not be consumed,” according to the public notice by MOH. Leausa stated that MOH is investigating claims following complaints from the public.
“The process resulting in the recall of Farmers Corned Beef was initiated after public complaints of contamination of the corned beef with flesh or tissue, suspicious that it was not beef. Physical verification & examination of the corned beef product carried out by our Food Safety Officers found unusual meat products.”
Leausa also told Samoa News that there was also inconsistency of the labeling information with the food content.
Heart-like tissue found in the corned beef. [courtesy photo]
“Recall process is enforced while samples of the corned beef have been sent for tissue analysis at SROS (Scientific Research Organization of Samoa) & National Health Services Diagnostic laboratories.” Leausa further told Samoa News that the local distributor has been advised and will be informed of the investigation once laboratory results are ready. He also made it clear the Food Product Recall notice is empowered through section 21 Food Act 2015 & Health Ordinance 1959.
Farmer’s Style Corned Beef is distributed by Foods Pacific Limited in Fiji, who noted in the Fiji Sun Online, “The allegations of contamination in Foods Pacific Limited’s Farmers Style Corned Beef in Samoa have been labeled a first by the company in its over 40 years of business operations."
Samoa News was not able to find any cans locally at the few retail outlets it visited, however, would advise local consumers to watch out for the recalled item.