BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A ban has been placed on beef products from Brazilian firm SIF 337 after preliminary testing has suggested that the beef may be contaminated by pesticide.
One month ago, as many as 87 000 pounds of beef products were recalled in the United States, as they were believed to contain the animal drug Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic used to de-worm live animals. According to a press statement made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the products subject to recall are 12-ounce cans of Libby’s corned beef and 35-pound boxes of “Seasoned Cooked Beef”, which are distributed for additional processing.
The recall in the US stirred up widespread consumer concern in St. Kitts-Nevis and it was unknown if imported beef products would be affected. Two weeks ago, a team of investigators was dispatched to carry out initial assessments at major distributors of Libby’s corned beef - S. L. Horsford’s Valu Mart and the agent, Rams Trading Ltd.
At that time, Director of Consumer Affairs Howard Richardson said local products were not affected by the recall, noting that the production codes on the beef products in local stores did not match those listed on the USDA website.
“I don’t think there is any need for alarm because the major importer is safe, but because we want to be safe and ensure that our consumers are safe, further investigations into the recall would be made,” Richardson told SKNVibes.
Further investigations by the Department of Agriculture and the Ministries of Consumer Affairs and Health revealed that the 7oz tin of Grace Corned Beef imported by O D Brisbane & Sons (Trading) Ltd and the 12oz tin of Libby’s Corned Beef imported by Ram’s (Trading) Ltd originated from SIF 337 and may contain Ivermectin. This is according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Richardson told SKNVibes that the concern has mobilized all the relevant ministries to work together in search of a prompt resolution. Though there is no certainty whether or not the beef contains the pesticide, consumers have been cautioned not to purchase or consume the imported Brazilian products.
“At this stage, we can’t say for certain that the product has the de-worming agent in it…. The concern is that it is being banned in the States; we have to take it seriously, as the products are bearing the same stamp. We cannot sit aside while the threat is out there; we have to take action now. We are doing this beef recall as a precautionary measure and we are asking people not to consume them,” Richardson noted.
Invermectin causes neurotoxicity symptoms, such as a lack of coordination and muscle movements. According to Dr. Tracey Challenger, Chief Veterinary Officer, samples of the product will be sent for testing on Monday (Jun. 14) to a lab in either Texas or Canada and results are expected to be delivered within one or two weeks.
Until then, the public is advised with immediate effect that all beef products from SIF 337 are prohibited from entry into St. Kitts-Nevis. This is in accordance with Part VI, Section 28 of the National Bureau of Standards Act No.7 of 1999.
Richardson said consumers must also be observant and avoid products that are labelled with a SIF 337 stamp, as other brands of beef may contain traces of this harmful substance.
