Beef Recall of Meat Unfit for Human Consumption

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recalling a massive amount of beef that is apparently unfit for human consumption. This latest beef recall includes almost 25,000 pounds of raw beef distributed by American Beef Packers, Inc. The USDA warns that the meat included in this recall was not properly inspected before distribution, which poses a risk of foodborne illness.

What Consumers Need to Know about Latest Beef Recall

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) must inspect all animal products for potential disease and contamination before it is deemed legally safe for human consumption. In the matter of this beef recall, inspection personnel with the FSIS identified and retained a possibly contaminated sample of beef. It was to be subject to additional testing.

Instead of isolating the sample, workers mistakenly released the potentially contaminated carcass into production. The products were then distributed to several states as intact and non-intact products. The single carcass may have contaminated 12 tons of raw beef products.

The potentially contaminated carcass is in circulation without the FSIS ever having completed its tests, meaning there is no way to know for sure whether it poses a risk. Regardless, without FSIS approval, by law, it cannot be labeled fit for human consumption. This beef recall is a Class II recall, meaning the risk to consumers’ health is low, but present.

How to Identify the Products in this Beef Recall

The potentially contaminated products in this beef recall can be identified by the following:

An establishment number “EST. 34741” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The beef was packed on August 21, 2019.

Products subject to the recall include bulk-pack combo bins containing:

Cuts of boneless beef
Ribeye
Sirloins
Tenderloin

Due to the production date, the FSIS is concerned that consumers may have these products in their homes – either in refrigerators or freezers. If you buy beef, diligently check your recent purchases for the establishment number “EST. 34741.” If you find these potentially contaminated products, throw them away or return them to their place of purchase immediately.

Complete List of Products Subject to Beef Recall

Though there are no confirmed reports of foodborne illness related to this beef recall, consumers should be vigilant for the potentially contaminated products. Seek medical attention if you or someone in your household exhibits the signs of food poisoning.

Bulk pack combo bins containing “American Beef Packers 85 boneless beef chucks” with lot no.110 and bin no. 85 and bin no.
Bulk pack combo bins containing “American Beef Packers 90 boneless beef” with lot no. 110 and bin no. 81, bin no. 82 and bin no.
Bulk pack combo bins containing “American Beef Packers 85 boneless beef” with lot no. 25-110 and bin no. 84 and lot no 110 and bin no.
Cases containing “American Beef Packers ribeye 8/10 #1” with codes bt190821-1178, bt190821-1185, bt190821-1188, bt190821-1190, and bt190821-1194.
2-lb. case containing “American Beef Packers ribeye 10 up #1” with code bt190821-1186.
Bulk pack combo bin containing “American Beef Packers 90 boneless beef sirloins” with lot no. 24-110 and bin no.
Cases containing “American Beef Packers tenderloin 4 up” with codes bt190821-1160, bt190821-1161, bt190821-1162, bt190821-1163, bt190821-1167, bt190821-1168, bt190821-1169, and bt190821-1170.
Cases containing “American Beef Packers ribeye 10 up” with codes bt190821-1187 and bt190821-1192.
50-lb. cases containing “American Beef Packers desc: beef for further processing 75/25” with lot code 08347412719.
Cases containing “American Beef Packers tenderloin 3/4” with codes bt190821-1155, bt190821-1157, bt190821-1171, bt190821-1200, bt190821-1201, bt190821-1202, bt190821-1203, bt190821-1204, and bt190821-1205.

Consumers Can Control their Exposure to Food Poisoning

Practicing food safety at home is an important way you can help protect your family when food producers release potentially contaminated food products into the market. Bad Food Recall is here to help familiarize consumers with common foodborne pathogens and to provide tips for the best way to avoid illness from a beef recall or any other food recall.

Remember: basic food safety practices can be summarized in 4 steps:

Clean
Separate
Cook
Chill

Good food safety practices are an excellent defense against the bacteria and viruses that cause food poisoning. However, you should know that there are more than 250 types of germ that can lead to foodborne illness. That means you can never be too careful when it comes to food safety.

Common Bacteria and Viruses

The most common causes of food poisoning are bacteria or viruses. Some of the most common pathogens that cause foodborne illness are:

Campylobacter – Stay safe by refusing to consume unpasteurized dairy or untreated drinking water.
Clostridium perfringens – Most often caused by meat or meat products left at room temperature too long. Illness from this pathogen can be prevented by heating all meat dishes, gravies, and broths to steaming prior to eating. Don’t hesitate to use a food thermometer to make sure food is a safe 165 F prior to consumption.
Coli – Avoid high risk foods including undercooked ground beef, sprouts, unpasteurized milk or juice, and soft cheeses. Also, practice responsible hand washing before and after preparing or eating food, or using the restroom.
Listeria – Never eat unpasteurized dairy products. Heat cold cuts, deli meats, and hot dogs to 165 F prior to consumption, and thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables.
Norovirus – Practice frequent and responsible hand washing. Disinfect any surfaces contaminated by vomit or diarrhea with bleach. Do not prepare or serve food for at least two days after suffering from vomiting or diarrhea. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly prior to eating, and do not consume raw shellfish.
Salmonella – Avoid high risk foods including undercooked poultry products, eggs, and ground beef. Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching a pet or livestock, as well as after touching their feed or treats.

Though not as common, Bacillus cereus, Botulism, Hepatitis A, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcal [Staph] food poisoning), and Vibrio are all dangerous pathogens. These pathogens often result in severe illness that requires medical attention. In many cases, patients require hospitalization as well.

Have Questions About This Beef Recall?

U.S. laws and federal inspection agencies exist to protect the populace from dangerous outbreaks of foodborne illness. When food producers make errors in inspection procedures, they not only must bear the costs of an expensive beef recall, but must also answer for any related illnesses consumers suffer.

Food that is unfit for human consumption could be contaminated with any variety of dangerous pathogens. If you are concerned about beef products in your home, or are suffering from food poisoning, contact Bad Food Recall.

Bad Food Recall is a resource for consumers offering information, advice, and legal guidance. Find out more about this beef recall and your legal rights by calling 1-877-534-5750. You can also reach out to us through our online form.

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