Health department begins further tests at Pocahontas meat processor

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has begun testing on retail meat products processed and packaged by Reis Meat Processing in Pocahantas.

The department initiated its investigation after a routine inspection by the Department of Agriculture's Meat Inspection Program suspended the company's custom meat processing operations Friday when several sanitation violations were found.

Reis Meat also sells retail meat products in addition to custom meat processing.

The DHSS has embargoed retail meat products sold by the company and will test samples of these products at the State Public Health Laboratory. The department anticipates the tests will take five to seven days.

Individuals who may have purchased meat products from the company may choose to discard the products or wait until testing is completed and the products are deemed safe to consume, department officials said.

Meanwhile, the Missouri Department of Agriculture has allowed the company to resume its custom exempt processing operations following a satisfactory inspection of the processing facilities on Monday, said Christine Tew, Department of Agriculture spokeswoman.

Pertinent address:

2470 Highway C, Pocahontas, Mo.