The USDA warns consumers to check their recently purchased ground beef for plastic contaminants as Kroger recalls more than 35,000 pounds of the product.
Supplier Initiates Recall
Reports confirm that JBS USA, a food processing company based in Colorado and supplier of the meat in question, opted to initiate a recall of everything after the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service furnished a statement that listed the product that was sourced in its Lenoir, North Carolina branch. It appears that a consumer noticed blue-colored pieces of hard plastic mixed with the product.
Related Product Information
The ground beef that was shipped to Kroger stores were supposedly labeled and packaged into different selections such as Kroger Ground Sirloin, Kroger Ground Beef, All Natural Laura's Lean Beef, and Private Selection Angus Beef.
Buyers can easily identify the contaminated products via its USDA mark of inspection, which bears that stamp "EST. 34176" The ground meat was produced back on March 22 and was destined for distribution centers in Virginia as well as Indiana, which hopefully helps narrow down the branches that received the bad stock.
"There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products," according to the USDA. "Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider," it added.
Consumer Advisory
Based on the information provided by the USDA and the retailer, customers who might have purchased any of the products listed above are encouraged to check the labels for the appropriate markers. If the product is part of the batch that was recalled, consumers are advised against its consumption and urged to take it back to the store or throw it away.
"We encourage customers to check their freezers for the potentially affected products and not to consume them but throw them away or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund," as stated by the retail chain.
The company just wants to be sure that customers who might have kept the meat frozen since its purchase are aware of its potential danger. Kroger confirmed via a spokesperson that the affected items are no longer on any of its store shelves.
Other Recent Recalls Due To Food Safety
It does not seem like Kroger is the only retailer that encountered problems with its products as another company likewise issued a recall this week. Saber Company, a company based in Anacortes, Washington, recalled its Cold Smoked Wild Coho Salmon Lox under the brand Gerard & Dominique Seafoods. Concerns about the possibility of botulism poisoning prompted health officials to have the company to take back the affected products.
