Meat at Pocahontas plant ordered to be destroyed

Tests conducted at the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory indicated chicken and pork products from Reis Meat Processing in Pocahontas contained abnormally high bacteria levels.

The Missouri Department of Health initiated its investigation into meats processed at Reis after a routine inspection by the Department of Agriculture's Meat Inspection Program revealed several sanitation violations Sept. 30.

The destruction of vacuum-packed chicken and ground pork products from Reis was ordered Friday by the state health department. Other products that were tested, including varieties and cuts of beef, sausage, bacon and turkey did not demonstrate high bacteria levels.

Customers who purchased vaccum-packaged chicken or ground pork from Reis should discard the product, health officials said. Those who purchased other meat products from Reis should observe ordinary caution in handling the meat, including ensuring it is thoroughly cooked before being consumed, health officials said in a news release.

Following the Sept. 30 inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Reis' custom meat processing operations were suspended until a satisfactory reinspection was conducted Oct. 3. The retail portion of its business remained closed pending health department testing.

The Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the state health department are working with Reis to ensure the company adopts appropriate food safety processes in its handling of all the products it offers for sale to the public, according to a news release.

mmiller@semissourian.com

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