WASHINGTON — Empanadas Valrico Inc., based in Sarasota, Fla., is recalling over 6,000 lbs of beef and chicken empanada products produced without the benefit of federal inspection, announced the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The following items, produced from March 2022 to September 2022, are subject to recall:

  • Approximately 1.6-lb clear plastic bag packages containing 10 pieces of “Empanadas Valrico STEAK EMPANADAS” with “BEST BEFORE” dates prior to January 30, 2023.
  • Approximately 1.6-lb clear plastic bag packages containing 10 pieces of “Empanadas Valrico CHICKEN EMPANADAS” with “BEST BEFORE” dates prior to January 30, 2023.
  • Approximately 4.6-lb clear plastic bag packages containing 25 pieces of “Empanadas Valrico STEAK EMPANADAS” with “BEST BEFORE” dates prior to January 30, 2023.
  • Approximately 4.6-lb clear plastic bag packages containing 25 pieces of “Empanadas Valrico CHICKEN EMPANADAS” with “BEST BEFORE” dates prior to January 30, 2023.

Because Empanadas Valrico is not a federally inspected establishment, the recalled items bear no USDA mark of inspection. The products were shipped to retail locations in Florida.

The problem was discovered when the Florida Department of Agriculture notified FSIS that the frozen empanada products did not have the USDA mark of inspection and were produced in an establishment that was not inspected by USDA.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.