The USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), in conjunction with the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Puerto Rico, announced the indictment of Filiberto Berrios, of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, on four counts of adulteration, transport, distribution and sale of adulterated meat and poultry products — violations of the Federal Meat and Poultry Inspection Acts. If convicted, Berrios faces possible jail time and/or fines.

The federal charges state that on or about June 25, 2009, Berrios purchased and transported approximately 45,582 pounds of spoiled and misbranded meat and poultry food products. Berrios reportedly purchased the meat and poultry products for approximately 10 cents per pound and without subjecting the salvaged products to federal inspection, sorted and repacked the products to enhance their appearance for sale to restaurants, retail stores, processors and local street vendors. Meat seized from Berrios operation underwent lab analysis and was found to be unfit for human consumption.