Recalled Ground Beef May Contain Metal Fragments: USDA

More than 90,000 pounds of ground beef products are being recalled, following consumer complaints that suggest the meat may be contaminated with small pieces of metal that may cause lacerations or other injuries. 

A Sam Kane Ground Chuck beef recall was announced by the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) on October 4, following at least four reports that indicated metal fragments were found in the products, including at least one incident where a consumer suffered a chipped tooth.

The recall includes Sam Kane Beef Processors 3 pound packages of HEB Ground Chuck bearing establishment number 337 with production date of September 12, 2014 and use by date of October 2, 2014, 5 pound packages of HEB Ground Chuck 73% LEAN 27% Fat bearing establishment number 337 with production date of September 15, 2014 and use by date of October 5, 2014, 10 pound packages of HEB Ground Chuck 73% LEAN 27% Fat bearing establishment number 337 with production date of September 18, 2014 and use by date October 10, 2014, and 10 pound clear film packages of formed patties made from Sam Kane Beef Processors Ground Chuck bearing establishment number 337 with production date September 9, 2014 and use by date of September 29, 2014.

The USDA indicates that the ground beef may have metal fragments up to 3 mm in size, which could cause pose a potential laceration hazard, choking risk, or cause other injuries.

The problem was discovered after a retailer was notified by a customer who found a metal fragment. After analyzing consumer complaint data, the company learned of three additional complaints of metal fragments all within the same products bearing the establishment number 337.

The products were processed by Same Kane Beef Processors of Corpus Christi, Texas where they were shipped to retail outlets all across Texas. All potentially affected beef products bear a “Sell By” date ranging between September 29, 2014 and October 8, 2014. Retailers are being contacted to remove all potentially impacted beef products from stores shelves.

The recall has been labeled as a Class II recall which indicated the consumption of these products may create a remote probability of adverse health consequences.

The FSIS recommends that customers with recalled beef products should stop consuming them immediately and contact Herb Meischen, Sr. V.P. Sales and Marketing at 361-241-5000 ext. 250.