Here’s what you need to know:
- Date: January 5, 2025
- Announced by: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on January 5
- Company: Stockyards Packing Co. LLC
- Brand: Turner Farm
- Product: Turner Farm Ground Beef
- Issue: Contamination with foreign materials (hard plastic and metal)
- Product details: Vacuum-sealed packages, approximately one pound
If you want to know more, keep reading!
What happened?
On January 5, The FSIS issued a public health alert due to concerns about frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint reporting that pieces of hard plastic and metal were found in the raw ground beef product. This product was shipped to one retail location at Turner Farm, 7400 Given Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45243.
Company | Brand | Product | Size | Lot code | EST number | Production Date | Issue |
Stockyards Packing Co. LLC | Turner Farm | Turner Farm Ground Beef | vacuum-sealed packages weighing approximately one pound | 241210 | EST. M2035 | December 10, 2024. | Contamination with foreign materials (hard plastic and metal) |
What caused the issue?
The recall was triggered by reports of pieces of metal and plastic found in the products during production. Metal contamination often occurs when machinery malfunctions during processing, potentially allowing fragments to enter the food supply. This highlights the importance of routine equipment maintenance and thorough inspections in manufacturing environments.
Potential health risks:
- Groups at higher risk include children, older adults, and individuals with existing health conditions.
- Symptoms:
Internal injuries or choking.
Severe discomfort or complications requiring medical attention.
No injuries have been confirmed, but the company is urging caution.
1. How can metal and plastic end up in food products?
Metal fragments can enter food during production due to machinery breakdowns or wear and tear on equipment.
2. What should I do if I think I consumed a contaminated product?
Monitor for symptoms like discomfort, pain, or difficulty swallowing. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if issues arise.
3. Is it safe to eat other Turner Farm products?
Yes, only the specific recalled items are affected. Other products remain safe for consumption.
4. How can I check if my product is part of the recall?
Look for the lot code provided in the recall notice.
5. Can I return the product for a refund?
Yes, most retailers will offer a refund or replacement for recalled items.
6. What are the symptoms of metal ingestion?
Symptoms may include pain, choking, or internal injuries requiring medical attention.
7. Has this happened with Turner Farm before?
This is a rare occurrence. Stockyards Packing Co. LLC has stringent quality controls in place to prevent such issues.
8. How does this affect the beef industry?
It serves as a reminder of the importance of robust safety protocols in food manufacturing.
9. What steps is Stockyards Packing Co. LLC taking to prevent future contamination?
The company is likely to enhance equipment inspections and update safety measures to avoid future incidents.
10. Where can I find more information about this recall?
Visit the FSIS’s website or reach out to Stockyards Packing Co. LLC for the latest updates.
Here’s what you should do
If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:
- Check the label:
Lot code: 241210
Establishment number: EST. M2035
Production date: December 10, 2024. - Identify the product:
Turner Farm Ground Beef - Here’s what you should do:
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. - Contact info:
Those with questions about the public health alert can contact Andy Korb, Owner, Stockyards Packing Co. LLC at 513-312-0648 or [email protected].
And those with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to [email protected]. For consumers who need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
Behind the brand
According to their website, at Stockyards Packing Company, family and quality go hand-in-hand. They are local and family-run, so unlike the multi-national meat processors – they claim to have pride in their work and ensure they serve their neighbors with the best service they can provide. They run a USDA custom processing facility located in Southwest, Ohio servicing all of their customers’ domestic livestock needs.
As unusual as it may seem, a few months back on November 15, 2024, Impossible Foods Inc. had a similar issue and recalled two of its popular ground sausage products due to concerns over metal contamination.
Ensuring safe eats!
This recall highlights the importance of maintaining rigorous quality control throughout the entire production process. While contamination with foreign materials is rare, it does happen from time to time, and it’s crucial for companies to act quickly to ensure consumer safety. Stockyards Packing Co. deserves credit for its swift response, but this is a good reminder that we must all stay vigilant in ensuring that food safety standards are met across the industry.
“Incidents like this remind us that food safety is a collective responsibility that stretches across every part of the supply chain. Whether it’s raw ingredients or finished products, ensuring the quality and safety of what reaches consumers should be our top priority. Quick, transparent action—like we’ve seen here—is key to preventing potential harm and maintaining trust. It’s an ongoing challenge, but one that every player in the food industry must take seriously to ensure safe, reliable products for consumers.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source 86.
Wanna know more about food safety alerts like this one? Talk to our team!
