Spring Green and Mauston butchers claim unnecessary DATCP product recalls 

Spring Green’s Prem Meats and Mauston’s Wisconsin River Meats have both claimed unnecessary product recalls by the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

A major source of contention is focused on non-product safety recalls for reasons such as label misprints. Prem Meats’ owners have also expressed frustration with plants’ lack of input when it comes to recall issuance, despite the “voluntary recall” label.

DATCP Public Information Officer Kevin Hoffman said in an email that any products reasonably believed to be adulterated or misbranded that are available to consumers in commerce must be recalled.

Hoffman also said in an email that DATCP has provided multiple education opportunities for state-inspected meat establishments when it comes to regulatory requirements. DATCP has been accused by plant owners of an investigative rather than educational approach when it comes to inspection.