LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets here has issued a voluntary advisory regarding the proper procedures for the defrosting of Publix premium certified beef.
The company advises customers to remove the product from the original packaging and place it in a microwave-safe plate for thawing. Failure to remove product from the original packaging may cause the microwave to spark.
"As part of our commitment to customer education, we wanted to remind customers of safe handling procedures for their purchase of fresh beef products," said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations, in a statement. "We received a couple of customer inquiries regarding the safety of thawing beef in its original packaging.
The retailer states that any Publix Premium Certified Beef products purchased between July and November should not be thawed in its original packaging.
"A change in supplier labels earlier this year has changed the composition of the labels. Upon notification of the potential label hazard, we discontinued the use of the labels and are sourcing a new supplier."
Publix customers with additional questions were advised to contact the consumer relations department at 1-800-242-1227 or by visiting the company's website. The advisory issued by the company is not a food safety concern, but a safe handling protocol.
