EAST LANSING. On Tuesday, October 7, during a routine traffic stop at the I-96 weigh station near Ionia, Michigan State Police (MSP) motor carrier officers discovered a large quantity of perishable food items being transported in a non-refrigerated rental truck. Inspectors from the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were contacted for assistance.

Among the food items being transported, the USDA and MDA inspectors discovered a case of Biofeel, a yogurt beverage included in a nationwide import alert on dairy products originating from Asia due to the melamine contamination of baby food and milk products in Asian countries. According to the MDA, this is the first time these dairy products have been discovered in Michigan. The yogurt product was seized by MDA inspectors for further investigation.

Inspectors seized and destroyed over 2,000 pounds of other food products including tofu, dairy, meat, seafood and noodles which were being transported at temperatures well above what is safe for human consumption. The USDA also seized 200 pounds of beef that had not passed USDA inspection. The estimated value of the food is over $2,100.

The truck originated in the Chicago area and was destined for numerous mid-Michigan locations.

CONTACT: Sgt. Brad Banks, MSP Traffic Safety Division,
(517) 336-6572