FSIS said that 188,522 lbs. of chicken may be affected, and 126,082 lbs. is currently being held. The distribution of the remaining 62,440 lbs. is under investigation, and FSIS is verifying if additional shipments may be affected. All products manufactured at San Vicente facility on May 29, 2013 to June 12, 2013 are considered adulterated, and FSIS is directing importers to hold and destroy the product. However, FSIS said the risk to consumers in negligible.
Dioxins form naturally during forest fires, industrial emissions and burning trash, according to FSIS. Plants absorb these compounds, which are potentially eaten by animals where they become concentrated in animal fat. People are exposed to low levels of dioxins through their diet with lesser exposure from air and soil. However, dioxins can have adverse health effects at very high doses for a prolonged period. FSIS said exposure to dioxin in the chicken products is low and does not pose a health threat.
