Apr 10, 2006 9:06 AM, from staff and wire reports

The United States Marshals Service has seized about 31,800 pounds of crab meat at American President Lines Ltd, a shipping firm in South Kearny NJ. This action came at the request of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and with the approval of the US District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Before the seizure, the meat had been embargoed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to ensure that it was not distributed to consumers. FDA requested the seizure after American President Lines refused to destroy the meat voluntarily.

According to FDA, the seized product (Andalas brand imported pasteurized crab meat) was held under unsanitary conditions that could make it dangerous to health. Recorded temperature readings showed that, during interstate shipment, the meat was not kept in proper refrigerated conditions for an extended period.