State: Use caution in door-to-door meat sales

LANSING (AP) — Michigan officials are urging people to use caution when purchasing meat or poultry from a door-to-door salesperson, warning that unscrupulous dealers might be selling produce that doesn't meet government standards.

In the advisory, the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said  people should make sure products come from a reputable, approved source. They say buyers should keep all receipts and be sure to get the seller's name and address.

"Although door-to-door meat sales can offer the ease of being able to shop at home, these types of transactions can also provide an opportunity for some bad actors to take advantage of their customers," Department Director Jamie Clover Adams said in a statement. "Consumers should always do their homework before making a purchase, to safeguard their health and their pocketbooks."

The department warns people not to buy meat that's stored in an unrefrigerated vehicle or the trunk of a car.

And officials note that all food must come from an approved source; have a U.S. Department of Agriculture seal of inspection; and include a complete and intact label.

Vehicles carrying meat must have a decal that's issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; for 2015, the label is blue, the state said.

 Door-to-door meat sales also are regulated by the Michigan Home Solicitation Sales Act.

Department spokeswoman Jennifer Holton told the Detroit Free Press in an email that the department hasn't received  any complaints or reports of illnesses.