HARLINGEN — A local cold storage facility embroiled in a major recall of frozen meals has filed notice with the Texas Workforce Commission of the permanent layoffs of 64 employees.
Valley International Cold Storage filed a WARN notice dated Oct. 4, saying the layoffs were effective Sept. 15.
On Sept. 17 the food company was forced to recall 22,061 pounds of frozen beef products due to “misbranding and undeclared allergens,” the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Food and Safety Inspection Service said.
FSIS officials said the Healthy Choice Korean-Style Beef microwaveable meals included undeclared ingredients, specifically a milk product, a known allergen for some people. None of the ingredients was declared on the label.
“The frozen products are labeled as Korean-Style Beef, but contain a chicken sausage and pepper product, which contains milk. These items were produced on July 22, 2022,” FSIS officials said.
The 9.25-oz. cartons are labeled as “Healthy Choice POWER BOWLS Korean-Style Beef” with lot code “5246220320” and a “best if used by” date of 04-18-2023.
No injuries have been reported by the mislabeling, officials said.
Valley International Cold Storage was founded in 1993.
