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Maple Heights hit by unlicensed door-to-door meat vendors

Police issue alert to consumers
Posted at 9:22 PM, Jul 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-06 22:30:09-04

Maple Heights Police and the Mayor's office have issued a warning about door-to-door vendors who are selling meat without the proper licensing.

Northeast Ohio consumers have contacted the Cleveland Better Business Bureau after buying hundreds in meat from Buckeye's Finest Foods.

The BBB told newsnet5.com consumers complained the meat was so tough they couldn't even cut it with a knife, and have so far been unable to reach the company for a refund.

BBB President Sue McConnell said she was able to reach the company owner who explained he has nothing to do with independent vendors who go door-to-door.

McConnell urged the company owner to take action.

"Honor their guarantees, give refunds if their customers insist on refunds," said McConnell. "In this case people were buying a product that was just not edible. Are you really going to want a replacement?"

"The owner told us once the broker purchases the meat, Buckeye's Finest Foods is actually out of the picture.  It's the broker’s responsibility to handle the sale correctly get the proper permits."

Maple Heights Police have issued an alert to residents since the vendors are not registered with the city and have not applied for the proper permits.

Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell told newsnet5.com if the vendors are caught they could be arrested and face a fine of up to $1,000.

"This is not the only vendor, we had another complaint on not just this company, there's another meat vendor working out of a pick-up truck. We really do rely on our residents to call us when things seem out of sorts."

Attempts to contact the company by phone and email about its refund policy have so far not been returned.