Three food companies based in Texas are recalling nearly a quarter of a million pounds of meat due to misbranding and undeclared peanuts in the products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed on Dec. 27 that HEB Meat Center and Garcia Foods, Inc., both from San Antonio, Texas, and J & B Sausage Co. from Dallas Texas are recalling some of their meat products after problems were identified by federal health regulators with cumin products of Adams Flavors Foods & Ingredients, which operates in Gonzales, Texas.
The seasoning manufactured by Adams Flavors did not declare peanut allergens, which could lead to life-threatening reaction in individuals who are allergic to peanuts.
In a statement, HEB said that it was notified of the issue on Dec. 26 with the announcement from Adams Flavors that one of its spice blends was found positive of peanut residue. HEB said that this particular spice blend had been added to some products. HEB recalled 3,666 pounds of pork products that were produced between Oct.16 and Dec. 26 and bear the establishment number "EST. 7231."
-- Random weight vacuum-packed clear packages containing "Pork Chorizo."
-- Random weight clear covered trays containing "HEB Mi Comida Chorizo Pork Chorizo."
-- Random weight vacuum-packed clear packages containing "SEASONED MEXICAN STYLE PORK FOR CARNE AL PASTOR."
Garcia Foods, on the other hand, is recalling about 190,450 pounds of Hill Country Fare Chorizo products that were produced between. Oct. 5 and Dec. 24 and bear the establishment number "EST. 13205A"
-- 12-oz. vacuum-packed, raw pork sausage link pieces of "HILL COUNTRY FARE CHORIZO."
-- 8-oz. vacuum-packed, raw pork sausage chubs of "HILL COUNTRY FARE CHORIZO."
The FDA said that J & B Sausage is recalling 45,904 pounds of beef and chicken products produced between Aug. 25 and Dec. 15 with establishment numbers "EST. 7066" and "P-7066"
-- 5-lb. packages of fully cooked "Chefs-In-A-Bag CHICKEN TACO FILLING."
-- 1-lb. packages of HEB "FULLY COOKED Texas Style BEEF CHILI No Beans."
-- 1-lb. packages of HEB "FULLY COOKED Taqueria Style PICADILLO Seasoned Ground Beef with Potatoes, Onion, Tomatoes and Peppers."
-- 1-lb. packages of HEB "FULLY COOKED CARNE GUISADA Seasoned Beef in Gravy."
Although the presence of peanut products in food ingredients is trivial for some individuals, it could pose serious and possibly deadly risks for individuals with peanut allergy. Last month, a student at Oakland University died due to exposure to peanuts.
