What Beef Was Recalled? An Overview of Recent Beef Recalls

Beef is a nutritious and delicious meat that is a staple food for many people. However, like any perishable food, beef can sometimes become contaminated and unsafe to eat. When this happens, companies recall their beef products to protect public health. Recalls remove products from commerce when there is reason to believe they may cause consumer illness or death. This article provides an overview of notable beef recalls that have occurred in recent years.

Understanding Beef Recalls

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) is the public health agency responsible for ensuring that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.

When a company discovers potential contamination or adulteration of their meat products, they must promptly notify the FSIS. The FSIS will then work with the company to determine if a recall is needed. Recalls are generally classified by the level of health hazard:

Class I: Dangerous or defective products that could cause serious health problems or death. Highest risk.
Class II: Products that might cause temporary or reversible health problems. Low risk.
Class III: Products that are unlikely to cause health problems. Very low risk.

If consumers find spoiled, contaminated, or mislabeled packages of meat, they can report it to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline online or by calling 1-888-MPHotline. The FSIS will investigate these consumer complaints and coordinate recalls when warranted.

Top Beef Recalls

Here is an overview of some of the most significant beef recalls in recent years:

December 2022: Ground Beef E. Coli O103 Recall

In December 2022, Scanga Meat Company recalled about 563 pounds of raw ground beef products due to possible E. coli O103 contamination. This Class I recall included ground beef sold at their retail store in Salida, Colorado and shipped to restaurants in the state. The products were produced on December 11, 2022.

E. coli O103 can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. The FSIS was alerted to the problem through routine testing. There were no confirmed reports of illness.

October 2022: Ground Beef E. Coli O157:H7 Recall

New York company Tyson Foods Inc. recalled around 94,000 pounds of raw ground beef products in October 2022 after sample testing revealed possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. This was classified as a Class I recall.

The raw ground beef items were produced on September 26, 2022 and shipped nationwide for further distribution and use in meal kits. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

September 2022: Ground Beef E. Coli O157:H7 Recall

Lakeside Refrigerated Services, a New Jersey company, recalled around 120,000 pounds of ground beef products in September 2022 due to E. coli O157:H7 concerns. The various raw ground beef and ground beef patties were shipped to retailers nationwide.

Routine FSIS testing detected the E. coli contamination. There were no confirmed reports of adverse reactions from consumers at the time of the recall.

August 2022: Ground Beef E. Coli O157:H7 Recall

Ohio company Bob Evans Farms Foods Inc. issued a Class I recall for approximately 7,500 pounds of Italian pork sausage that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically thin blue rubber.

The raw, Italian sausage product was produced on September 8, 2022. The issue was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that they had received consumer complaints.

April 2021: Ground Beef E. Coli O157:H7 Recall

Around 120,872 pounds of ground beef products made by New Jersey company Routt Beef were recalled in April 2021 due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

The various raw ground beef items were shipped to distribution centers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island to be further distributed to retailers. The recall was initiated after a consumer complaint investigation.

August 2019: Ground Beef E. Coli O157:H7 Recall

A Class I recall by Wisconsin company Johnsonville, LLC in August 2019 involved around 48,000 pounds of raw ground pork and beef sausage that may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The flavored ground sausage was shipped nationwide.

The problem was discovered when a product sample collected by FSIS tested positive for the hazardous bacteria. There were no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.

October 2018: Ground Beef Salmonella Recall

Arizona company JBS Tolleson, Inc. recalled about 12,093,271 pounds of various raw, non-intact ground beef products in October 2018 due to possible Salmonella contamination.

This massive, Class I recall covered products produced from July 26 to September 7, 2018. The products were shipped nationwide and internationally. FSIS was alerted to the issue through illness investigation and sample analysis. At least 57 cases of salmonella were reported.

E. Coli Contamination Remains a Concern

The list above illustrates that E. coli O157:H7 contamination remains an ongoing issue with beef products. Companies large and small continue to recall ground beef and other non-intact raw beef items contaminated with this potentially deadly pathogen.

In addition to major recalls, there are frequently smaller scale Class I recalls ranging from a few hundred pounds up to a few thousand pounds. The products are generally identified during routine FSIS testing. When available, the FSIS will provide details on where the recalled products were distributed.

Helpful Resources on Beef Recalls

If you have purchased beef products that have been recalled, be sure to follow the company’s instructions to dispose of or return them. Consumers can check the USDA FSIS website and social media channels for recall news and updates. These are valuable resources to stay informed:

USDA FSIS Recalls Portal: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls
Twitter Feed: https://twitter.com/USDAFoodSafety
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FSIS.USDA/
Recall Subscription Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline – 1-888-MPHotline

The USDA also provides a wealth of consumer food safety education related to safe handling, cooking, and storage of beef and other meat products. Following proper food safety practices at home can help prevent foodborne illnesses. But when contaminated products do slip into the marketplace, it is reassuring to know that oversight and recall procedures are in place to catch and remove them quickly. Stay informed and take care when preparing raw beef.

BEWARE: Massive Threat of 7 Dangerous Food Recalls on Ground Beef, Soup, Chicken

FAQ

What ground beef is being recalled for E coli?

Valley Meats recall Approximately 6,768 pounds of raw ground beef produced by Valley Meats, LLC on December 22, 2023, have been recalled for potential E. coli contamination.

How do I know if my beef was recalled?

You can check if the ground beef is part of the recall by looking at the lot number on the packaging. This guide will help you know which ground beef products are recalled and what to do if you find products included in the ground beef recall in your freezer.

What meat was recalled for Listeria?

A Miami, Florida-based producer of Cuban-style cured meats is recalling about 9,330 pounds of ready-to-eat products after a sample was found to contain listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has said.

What meat did Walmart recall?

In 2019, Walmart initiated a recall of more than 6,400 pounds of Walmart’s Great Value brand frozen meat (produced by George’s Prepared Foods) for possible salmonella contamination.