In a recent turn of events, the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has raised a significant public health alert concerning the illegal importation of various meat, poultry, fish, curry, and paste products from Myanmar across nine U.S. states. The fundamental issue lies in the fact that Myanmar is not authorized to export such items to the United States. Through diligent surveillance efforts, FSIS discovered that these potentially unsafe products, including both canned and vacuum-sealed packages, were being discreetly sold in American retail locations. The states affected by this alarming development are Arizona, California, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The specific products in question, marketed under the brand name “BEST,” include beef curry, chicken biryani, Myanmar duck blood, Hti Mi Gwik Dry MoHinGa paste, Eain Chak MoHinGa paste, Eain Chak Coconut Soup paste, and Min Thar Gyi Dried Fish. A glaring issue is that none of these items are labeled with an establishment number or a USDA mark of inspection, raising immediate concerns regarding their safety and compliance with U.S. food safety regulations. Consequently, FSIS is urging consumers who may have purchased these goods to either dispose of them immediately or return them to the store where they were bought. Furthermore, retailers have been strongly recommended to cease the sale of these products to prevent potential health risks.
Although there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions associated with these illegally imported food products, FSIS has advised consumers who have eaten them to consult healthcare providers if they harbor any concerns about potential illnesses. FSIS is also actively investigating how these unauthorized items managed to infiltrate the U.S. market and reach the shelves of retail stores. This investigation is crucial for preventing similar occurrences in the future and ensuring the continued safety of the American food supply chain.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Food Safety Concerns
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has recently issued a public health alert over the illegal importation of meat, poultry, fish, curry, and paste products from Myanmar into nine U.S. states. Myanmar is not permitted to export these items to the U.S., and FSIS discovered that potentially hazardous products such as canned and vacuum-sealed packages were secretly sold in American stores. The affected states include Arizona, California, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The products in question, sold under the “BEST” brand, encompass beef curry, chicken biryani, Myanmar duck blood, Hti Mi Gwik Dry MoHinGa paste, Eain Chak MoHinGa paste, Eain Chak Coconut Soup paste, and Min Thar Gyi Dried Fish. Notably, these items lack an establishment number or a USDA mark of inspection, raising immediate safety concerns. FSIS urges consumers to dispose of or return these goods and recommends that retailers halt their sale.
Though no adverse reactions have been reported, FSIS advises consumers who have consumed these products to consult healthcare providers if they have any health concerns. FSIS is investigating how these unauthorized items infiltrated the U.S. market to prevent recurrences and ensure the food supply’s safety.