Montpelier, Vermont- Officials in Vermont are warning people to be wary of unlicensed companies selling meat in the state.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets say they have received complaints of sellers showing up at homes unannounced, using ‘high-pressure tactics' to sell meat. Similar "Meat Truck Scams" have been reported across the nation, the agency said. And Consumers say they were sold expensive meat that was bad in quality.
When it comes to strips, sirloins and all kinds of meat, it's important you know where it comes from.
"Make sure you know that they are licensed. That they are keeping the proper temperatures and the food isn't loaded with preservatives, which a lot of these may be because, who knows how long it will be in that truck," says Eric Levine, a part owner of Vermont Meat and Seafood Market.
"I would definitely recommend people highly avoiding anyone unless you see a commercial license," says Levine.
He also knows the dangers of buying from an unlicensed seller.
"You can get violently ill, stomach sickness, maybe need to go to the hospital depending what conditions its' been in," Levine said.
Levine says there are steps you can take to avoid a bad situation, including asking for a retail meat license, read the package label to know what you're buying and make sure the meat has been stored in temperatures below 40 degrees.
"It's crucial that the meat is held below that temp to avoid any growth in bacteria," said Levine.
Customer Sally Conant says, "I would be surprised that anyone would buy from an unlicensed vendor."
Conant says she only buys meat from a place she trusts, because doing anything less, isn't worth the health risk, "We don't know where the meat came from and that's important for our health."
To report a suspicious meat truck contact your local police department and consumers with doubts on the safety of meat they've purchased are encouraged to avoid the risk and throw it out.
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