April 7, 2006 — /FDA News/ — At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and with the approval of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Marshals Service yesterday seized approximately 31,800 lbs. of crabmeat being held at American President Lines Limited, a shipping company located in South Kearny, N.J.

Prior to the seizure, the crab meat had been placed under embargo by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to ensure that the product was not distributed to consumers. FDA initiated the seizure after American President Lines Limited declined to voluntarily destroy the crab meat.

The seized crab meat (Andalas brand imported pasteurized crab meat) was held under insanitary conditions that could render it harmful to health. Specifically, recorded temperature readings revealed that, during shipment in interstate commerce, the crab meat was not maintained under appropriate refrigerated conditions for an extended period of time.

When strict refrigeration control is not maintained, a product such as this could pose a public health risk because of the potential for botulism poisoning, a condition that could result in consumer illness and death.

The FDA has initiated this action to promote and protect the public health by enforcing the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FDA’s mission includes ensuring the safety or the safety and effectiveness of a broad spectrum of regulated products, including food, human and animal drugs, vaccines, blood products, medical devices, electronic products that emit radiation, and cosmetics.

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