There have been seven recalls of meat food products for possible foreign material contamination since the beginning of January, 2019. This large number of recalls, which has affected more than 427,000 pounds of food.
News reports are suggesting that the USDA, which regulates these foods, may make some changes to guidance for food processors. One reason could be that more automation in these meat processing plants has contributed to the contamination, since parts of the machines can break off and get into the food.
These recalls are a reminder to consumers to pay attention to recall notices that are issued by the USDA and the FDA. These pieces of glass, rubber, wood, and plastic can pose a choking hazard and mouth injuries. The recalls since the start of the new year include:
- Perdue Foods recalled ready-to-eat Perdue SimplySmart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets that may be contaminated with pieces of wood.
- Johnsonville recalled raw Johnsonville Grillers frozen Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Flavored Pork Patty products for possible black rubber pieces.
- Tyson Foods recalled Tyson White Meat Panko Chicken Nuggets products that can be contaminated with rubber pieces.
- Pilgrim’s Pride recalled Uncooked Popcorn Style Chicken Breast Chunk Fritters for possible rubber pieces.
- Bellisio Foods recalled Boston Market Home Style Meals Boneless Pork Rib Shaped Patty for possible pieces of glass or hard plastic.
- Sahlen Packing Company recalled Market 32 by Price Chopped Black Forest Ham for plastic pieces.
- Washington Beef recalled ground beef chubs for hard plastic and metal pieces.
Most of these recalls were prompted by consumer complaints. And there were no reports of injury or other adverse events associated with these recalled products.
If you purchased any of these products, you should not eat them. They should be discarded in a secure package so other people and animals can’t get at them, or taken back to the store where you bought them for a refund.
