Date: 7/23/2010

Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 23, 2010 (SKNIS): Grace, Libby’s and Goya Corned Beef sold in St. Kitts and Nevis have been pronounced safe to consume.

The products were pulled from the shelves last month after the animal drug, Ivermectin had been found in samples of the product manufactured by Brazilian firm SIF 337.

The Consumer Affairs Department via the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service has now unequivocally advised that with immediate effect; trading of the aforementioned products can resume.

A Consumer Affairs Official expressed that this renewal resulted from communication with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA has affirmed that samples of Grace, Libby’s, and Goya Corned Beef sold locally, before the recent recall, were not subject to that recall issued for products entering the United States.

Notwithstanding this positive development, however, the Ministry is aware that the Brazilian firm SIF 337 is still delisted by the USDA. Its beef products are not being allowed to enter the United States. Consistent with that action, Government through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs will continue with the local ban on imported beef products from the Brazilian firm SIF 337 until the USDA rescinds its import restrictions.

Agents and distributors are also so advised to purchase beef products from alternative firms in Brazil or from other sources. In addition, they are guided to keep their meat inspection certificates on file so that in the event of a future recall, the necessary information can be extracted.

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