Ada Valley recall: quick summary
Ada Valley Meat Company, based in Ada, MI, has issued a recall of approximately 1,065 pounds of fully cooked frozen ground beef products due to possible contamination with metal fragments. The affected product was distributed to establishments and distributors in California, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The recall was initiated after a consumer reported finding metal in the product. No injuries or illnesses have been reported to date. Here’s what you need to know.
Official recall details
- Date Issued: July 29, 2025
- Company Involved: Ada Valley Meat Company (MI)
- FSIS Publish Date: July 30, 2025
- Products Affected: Fully cooked frozen ground beef
- Issue: Possible metal contamination
- Pack Dates: May 28, 2025 & May 30, 2025
- Distribution: CA, DE, IL, MI, PA
- What to Do: Do not consume. Discard or return product.
What happened?
Ada Valley Meat Company notified the USDA’s FSIS after receiving a consumer complaint that pieces of metal were found in a fully cooked ground beef product. The issue was traced to two specific production dates. FSIS is now overseeing the recall and warning institutions and distributors not to serve or distribute the affected product.
Affected product details
Product Description | Pack Date | Lot Code | Establishment Number | Distribution |
Ada Valley Fully Cooked Ground Beef (4 x 5-lb bags in 20-lb cases) | May 28, 2025 | 35156 | EST. 10031 | CA, DE, IL, MI, PA |
Ada Valley Fully Cooked Ground Beef (4 x 5-lb bags in 20-lb cases) | May 30, 2025 | 35157 | EST. 10031 | CA, DE, IL, MI, PA |
These products were distributed in bulk to institutional kitchens and other facilities. They bear the USDA mark of inspection with establishment number EST. 10031.
What caused the issue?
The contamination was identified after a customer reported finding pieces of metal in the product. Ada Valley quickly notified FSIS, which is currently working with the company to remove the product from the supply chain. The issue may have originated during processing or packaging.
Why foreign matter is a serious concern
Ingesting foreign objects like metal can pose choking, laceration, or internal injury risks. This is especially dangerous in institutional settings where bulk food may be served to children, seniors, or immunocompromised individuals.
Who’s at risk?
Anyone who consumes the affected product may be at risk of injury due to metal contamination. Particular concern applies to:
- Schools, hospitals, and care facilities
- Children and elderly individuals
- Consumers with sensitive digestive systems
Common symptoms of injury from foreign matter ingestion
- Mouth or throat injuries
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (in rare cases)
Seek immediate medical care if any symptoms occur after consuming the recalled product.
Questions you might have
- Is it safe to eat Ada Valley ground beef?
Not if it’s part of the recalled lot. Do not consume. Discard or return the product immediately. - How can I identify the recalled product?
Look for 20-lb box cases labeled “Ada Valley FULLY COOKED GROUND BEEF” with lot codes 35156 or 35157 and pack dates 5/28/25 or 5/30/25. The USDA inspection mark should show “EST. 10031.” - Where was it shipped?
The recalled product was shipped to establishments and distributors in California, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. - Can metal contamination be detected by taste or smell?
No. Metal pieces may not be visible or detectable without inspection. Do not take the risk. - What if I already served or consumed it?
If you or someone else consumed the product and feel unwell, consult a healthcare provider immediately. - Can institutions keep serving Ada Valley beef?
Only if it is not from the recalled lot codes. Institutions should carefully check stock and follow disposal guidelines if affected. - Are different establishment numbers on the product a concern?
Yes. Some products may have been further processed or redistributed under different establishment numbers. Carefully check all labels and documentation. - Can I get a refund?
Contact Ada Valley Gourmet Foods at [email protected] to inquire about refund or return procedures. - Is this an official USDA recall?
Yes. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall notice on July 29, 2025 after a consumer complaint. - What should I do if I have the recalled product?
Do not open, serve, or eat it. Either discard the product safely or return it to the place of purchase. For questions, contact Ada Valley at 1-616-676-0767 between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday.
Here’s what you should do
- Check institutional or commercial freezers for the affected 20-lb box cases
- Look for lot codes 35156 and 35157 with pack dates May 28 or May 30, 2025
- Confirm USDA establishment number is EST. 10031
- Do not serve or consume
- Discard or return the product to the place of purchase
- Call the company at 1-616-676-0767 between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
- Notify FSIS or USDA if you suspect injury or further contamination
Behind the brand
Ada Valley Meat Company, also known as Ada Valley Gourmet Foods, is a Michigan-based meat processor specializing in fully cooked and frozen proteins. This incident highlights the risks of foreign material contamination in industrial-scale food production and reinforces the need for robust post-production quality control and packaging integrity.
Other recent recalls include:
- Valley Fine Foods recalls chile verde egg bites due to foreign material contamination
- Del Monte Foods recalls Good & Gather cut green beans due to foreign object contamination
- DJ’s Boudain recalls sausage links due to foreign matter contamination
- Kayem Foods recalls Al Fresco chicken sausage over plastic contamination
- Danone recalls YoCrunch yogurt over plastic pieces in dome toppers
- Riverbend Ranch beef sticks flagged in public health alert over plastic risk
“Foreign material recalls remind us how critical it is to have rigorous supplier oversight and quality control throughout the production chain. Whether it’s a plastic shard or a labeling slip, one small miss can compromise consumer trust, and that’s something no brand can afford.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
Foreign matter recalls remind us that food safety is not just about allergens or pathogens. Physical contaminants pose real health threats, especially when food is served in high-volume institutional settings. Strict supplier oversight, packaging checks, and batch audits are essential to protect end users.
Need help auditing inventory, improving product traceability, or building a safer food program? Contact Source86 today!
