- Date Issued: July 1, 2025
- Agency: USDA’s FSIS on July 2, 2025
- Company: Top Notch Jerky, LLC
- Product: Riverbend Ranch Original and Jalapeño Beef Stick 6-packs
- Issue: Possible plastic contamination (transparent plastic pieces found)
- Product Details: 6.9 oz. bags of six 1.15 oz. vacuum-sealed beef sticks
- Action: Do not eat the product; discard or return to place of purchase
Wanna know more about what happened? Stick around.
What Happened?
On July 1, 2025, the USDA’s FSIS issued a public health alert (not a full recall) for ready-to-eat Riverbend Ranch Beef Jerky Sticks. Produced by Top Notch Jerky, LLC, these sticks may contain transparent plastic fragments, which consumers discovered and reported.
While no injuries or illnesses have been reported, FSIS is concerned some bags may still be hiding in snack drawers or pantries across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Though no longer on store shelves, the products were sold online and distributed nationwide.
Contaminated Products Table
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Riverbend Ranch | Original Beef Stick (6-pack) | 6.9 oz. | Not disclosed | 11/27/2026 | Plastic contamination |
Riverbend Ranch | Jalapeño Beef Stick (6-pack) | 6.9 oz. | Not disclosed | 11/27/2026 | Plastic contamination |
Establishment ID: EST. 47282 (found on the back label)
What Caused the Issue?
The issue began when Top Notch Jerky, LLC received consumer complaints about transparent plastic fragments found in sealed Riverbend Ranch beef sticks. After confirming the presence of foreign materials, the company notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). As a result, FSIS issued a public health alert for these ready-to-eat (RTE) beef jerky products, produced on May 27, 2025.
Although a formal recall was not initiated because the affected items are no longer available for retail sale, FSIS remains concerned that some consumers may still have the product in their homes, potentially unaware of the contamination.
Why plastic contamination is dangerous:
Plastic contamination in food can pose several health risks, especially if the fragments are sharp or rigid. These risks include:
- Choking hazard, particularly for children and older adults
- Lacerations or abrasions in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract
- Gastrointestinal discomfort or injury
- Blockages in the intestines in extreme cases
Plastic is not digestible and can cause serious harm if swallowed, depending on its size, shape, and sharpness.
Consumers most at risk:
- Children, due to smaller airways and higher risk of choking
- Elderly individuals, who may have dental or swallowing difficulties
- People with medical conditions that affect digestion or swallowing
- Anyone who consumes the product without noticing the foreign material
Possible symptoms after consuming plastic-contaminated food:
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing (if choking occurs)
- Stomach cramps or discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in saliva or stool (if internal injury occurs)
If any of these symptoms appear after consuming a recalled product, consumers are urged to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
10 Common Questions You Might Have
1. What products are affected by this alert?
Riverbend Ranch Original and Jalapeño Beef Stick 6-packs (6.9 oz. bags) produced on May 27, 2025, with a Best By date of 11/27/2026.
2. What kind of contamination occurred?
Transparent plastic fragments were discovered in the product, posing a physical hazard.
3. Is this a recall?
No, FSIS issued a public health alert. A full recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.
4. How did the contamination happen?
While the exact source was not disclosed, plastic contamination typically occurs from damaged equipment or packaging during processing.
5. Are there any injuries reported?
No injuries or illnesses have been confirmed as of now.
6. What should I do if I have this product at home?
Do not eat it. Dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase.
7. How can I identify the affected product?
Look for 6.9 oz. bags of Riverbend Ranch Original or Jalapeño Beef Sticks with a Best By date of 11/27/2026 and establishment ID “EST. 47282” on the back label.
8. Who should I contact if I have questions?
You can contact Top Notch Jerky, LLC at 208-372-3231 or [email protected].
9. Can I report a food safety problem related to this product?
Yes. Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or submit a report via the FSIS online complaint system.
10. Should I seek medical help if I ate the product?
If you experience any symptoms or suspect you’ve swallowed plastic, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Here’s What You Should Do
Check your pantry and look for:
- Riverbend Ranch Original or Jalapeño Beef Sticks – Size: 6.9 oz. bags with six 1.15 oz. sticks – Best By Date: 11/27/2026 – Establishment ID: EST. 47282
- Don’t eat it. Toss it or return it to the place of purchase.
- For questions or reports:
- Call 208-372-3231
- Email [email protected]
- Need help? Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or submit a complaint online
Behind the Brand
Top Notch Jerky, based in Sugar City, Idaho, is the manufacturer behind Riverbend Ranch snacks. Known for heat-treated, shelf-stable beef products, this isn’t their first tango with FSIS — but it’s the first time plastic got mixed in.
Other recent recalls involving plastic contamination:
- On May 6, 2025, GBC Food Services, LLC, based in Farmers Branch, Texas, issued a recall on two of its ready-to-eat snack cups due to the presence of plastic foreign material.
- On April 25, 2025, Wells Enterprises recalled over 16,000 gallons of frozen goodness after discovering plastic pieces might have made their way into the mix. That’s a real crunch no one asked for.
- On April 19, 2025, Lamb Weston Inc. voluntarily initiated a recall of 34,801 cases of its frozen Hashbrown Patties due to the discovery of plastic fragments in the product.
- On April 4, 2025, Johnsonville, LLC announced a voluntary recall of their Cheddar Bratwurst due to the risk of foreign matter contamination.
- On March 27, 2025, Craftmark Bakery recalled a total of 6,589 cases of cookie dough and ready-to-eat cookies after discovering potential contamination with plastic fragments.
- On July 14, 2025, Danone voluntarily recalled all YoCrunch yogurt products after clear plastic shards—measuring 7–25 mm—were found in the separate dome toppers, posing a potential choking hazard.
“Finding plastic in a ready-to-eat product isn’t just a small oversight—it reinforces how essential it is for manufacturers to have strict packaging protocols and regular equipment inspections in place,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This alert serves as yet another reminder that foreign materials in food are no small matter. From a supplier’s point of view, even a tiny piece of plastic can cost reputation, consumer trust, and thousands in logistics.
Let’s break it down:
- Contaminants = risk to consumers + liability to manufacturers
- Clean, consistent sourcing = safer products + happier snackers
- Proper communication = damage control done right
Want to stay ahead of these issues? Contact our team at Source86. We help ensure ingredient safety, supplier transparency, and top-tier quality control across every stage of your food supply chain.
