San Antonio, TX – A San Antonio-based company, San Antonio Packing Company, is under scrutiny after a consumer discovered foreign material in a raw pork chorizo product, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to issue a public health alert.

The FSIS is urging consumers not to consume the affected product, although a recall was not requested as the product is no longer available for purchase. However, there is concern that some of the product may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

The raw pork chorizo items, produced on February 12, bear a best-by date of May 12. Specifically, they come in 12-ounce vacuum-sealed packages labeled as “LEAN apco BRAND MEATS ALL NATURAL PREMIUM CHORIZO” with the best-by date of 5/12/24. The packages also display the establishment number “EST. 602” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label. The affected product was distributed to H-E-B grocery stores across Texas.

The issue came to light after the company received a consumer complaint regarding the discovery of pieces of hard plastic and metal in the raw pork chorizo product.

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness associated with the consumption of this product. However, consumers who may have concerns about potential injury or illness should seek advice from a healthcare provider.

For further inquiries about the public health alert, consumers can contact David Roe, operations manager at San Antonio Packing Company, at 210-224-5441 or Operations@realchorizo.com.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in food safety and underscores the necessity for companies to maintain rigorous quality control measures to ensure the integrity of their products.