Nearly 32,000 Pounds of Crab Meat Seized

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Marshals Service seized nearly 32,000 pounds of crab meat because it had been improperly refrigerated, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Crab meat not kept properly refrigerated poses the risk of botulism poisoning, which can cause illness or even death.

The FDA took action after the company refused to voluntarily destroy the crab, which the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services had placed under embargo so consumers couldn’t buy it.

The Andalas-brand imported, pasteurized crab meat was seized Thursday from American President Lines Limited shipping company in South Kearny, N.J.

Recorded temperature readings showed the crab was not kept under appropriate refrigeration for an extended time during shipment in interstate commerce, the FDA said.

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey approved the seizure. An FDA spokeswoman said plans to destroy the meat were being made.

American President Lines Limited did not immediately return calls for comment.

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On the Net:

FDA: http://www.fda.gov

American President Lines Limited: http://www.apl.com/