Sampco Inc., a Chicago, Ill., establishment is recalling approximately 258,000 pounds of cooked beef products that were imported from an ineligible Brazilian establishment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced.

Brazilian establishment SIF 337 was delisted on May 6, 2010 after repeat violative levels of the animal drug Ivermectin were confirmed in its products. Sampco recalled 87,000 pounds of beef this May because of that potential contaminant. FSIS has recently determined that eight lots of product from Brazilian establishment SIF 337 have been shipped into commerce despite the firm's ineligible status. As a result, FSIS and Sampco, Inc. are taking action to remove the products from commerce. Consumers who have purchased any of these products should return them to their point of purchase.

The products are subject to recall include cans of Libby Corned Beef, Kroger Corned Beef, pouched of Bushy Creek Shredded Beef and packages of Bushy Creek Roast Beef. Each product package bears "BRASIL 337 S.I.F," as well as "Product of Brazil" or "Packed under Brazilian Government Inspection."


Source: FSIS



Jack's Links acquires JBS meat snack business

Jack Link's Beef Jerky has agreed to buy a Minnesota meat snack company from JBS SA of Brazil, the world's largest beef producer. The plant in Mankato, Minn., employs 85 workers and produces meat snacks under the Pioneer brand and other private labels.

Minong-based Jack Link's has also entered into a joint venture with JBS to operate two plants in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The joint venture will help Jack Link’s ensure an adequate supply of product to meet growing demand and at the same time, provide the company with the necessary flexibility in its supply chain. With the acquisition and joint venture announcements, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky will increase from nine to 12 the number of manufacturing facilities worldwide from which it sources meat snack production.

Jack Link’s plans to retain current management and employees at the Minnesota plant. Terms of the transaction, expected to close by the end of September, were not disclosed.

“JBS’s Mankato plant is a perfect fit for our business with an experienced work force and management team,” said Jack Link, CEO and chairman of the board, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky. “The addition of this plant gives us the opportunity to expand on our existing manufacturing operations and enhance our ability to meet our customers’ needs."


Source: The Business Journal of Milwaukee



South Korea may import more beef in 2011, USDA says

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service said that South Korea may boost beef imports by as much as 24 percent next year, as the demand for U.S. beef increases. FAS says that the country’s U.S. beef imports may rise from 110,000 tons this year to 136,000 tons next year, reports Bloomberg.

“There are still a sizeable percentage of fence-sitting consumers who still haven’t started buying U.S. beef again,” the FAS said, referring to the ban on U.S. beef that took place in 2003 after a case of mad cow disease was discovered in the United States. South Korea began accepting exports again in 2008. “Marketing efforts are being targeted at winning these consumers back.”

FAS also noted that U.S. pork exports may increase as well, by as much as 14 percent, to 120,000 tons. Consumer demand for U.S. pork in restaurants may cause the increase in imports.


Source: Bloomberg



Russia may become self sufficient in poultry and pork before 2013 goal

Russia has said that it should be able to stop poultry imports within three years, the result of a major push for domestic poultry and pig breeding. After a reduction in poultry imports in 2010, the country said it is nearing its goal of self sufficiency.

"As far as poultry meat is concerned, the target (of reaching self-sufficiency) may be achieved even earlier (than 2012-2013)," Sergei Mikhailov, Cherkizovo's CEO told the Reuters Russia Summit. The country’s chicken imports in 2010 are about 75 percent of 2009’s levels, thanks to the country’s recently lifted ban on U.S. chicken products.

Mikhailov added that Russia’s output of pork should increase by 150,000 to 180,000 tons annually this year and next year. He said that the country would not eliminate meat imports altogether but would keep them at a “healthy” level of 5 to 10 percent while preparing to enter the export market itself.

"We will have a surplus of some meat parts, for which markets should be sought," he said. "Like exporting chicken feet to China. We may also try to export white meat to Europe or America."


Source: Reuters



NMA's Mucklow to deliver keynote address at Meat Industry Hall of Fame reception

The Meat Industry Hall Of Fame announced that this year’s keynote speaker is Rosemary Mucklow, Director Emeritus of the National Meat Association. A member of the Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2009, she is one of the meat industry’s most prominent leaders and a vigorous advocate for the interests of the nation’s meat and poultry packers and processors, both large and small.

“Rosemary has enjoyed a ringside seat on 50 years of industry history, so she is the perfect keynoter for the Annual Induction Ceremony,” said Hall of Fame President Chuck Jolley. “Her reflections on the changes she’s witnessed will be especially fitting since our inductees are some of the most influential people who drove those changes in the industry.”

Never afraid of controversy, she said about her planned presentation, “It comes at a time when the government is challenging today’s structure of the industry, and there is a body of opinion suggesting we put the clock back 20 or 30 years! That would be a huge, backward step.

“I consider following Bill Kurtis, last year’s speaker, to be quite a challenge, so I’ve consulted with him about how to do this,” she said.


Source: Meat Industry Hall of Fame



Omaha Steaks chooses Suh as spokesman

Omaha Steaks named Detroit Lions rookie Ndamukong Suh as the company spokesman for tailgating. Suh, a rookie defensive tackle for the Lions, was the number two overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, following an award-winning college football career where he was recognized as one of the most decorated defensive players in the history of the sport. In his new role as a spokesman for Omaha Steaks' tailgating initiatives, Suh will offer tips and advice on perfecting the art of tailgating.

"As the official sponsor of tailgating, we felt Ndamukong Suh was the perfect addition to our team," said Senior Vice President and family owner Todd Simon. "While Suh is recognized as a powerhouse on the football field, Omaha Steaks rules the tailgate turf and we both share an unparalleled commitment to excellence, making our partnership the perfect pairing."


Source: Omaha Steaks