Ground Beef Sparks Health Alert Over Metal and Plastic Fears

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A public health alert has been issued for a frozen raw beef product over fears of potential contamination from plastic and metal material.

The product, which was produced by Stockyards Packing Company in Oxford, Ohio, was only shipped to a single retail location: Turner Farm in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The alert was issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) after a customer informed Stockyards Packing Company that they had discovered fragments of metal and hard plastic inside the ground beef.

The affected product is a one-pound pack labeled "STOCKYARDS PACKING COMPANY GROUND BEEF", with a lot code of 241210.

ground beef
Stock image of ground raw beef. A public health alert has been issued due to a ground raw beef product having been found to contain fragments of hard plastic and metal. ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Inside the USDA mark of inspection, the product is marked with the establishment number "EST. M2035".

This product was not officially recalled by FSIS as it is no longer on sale, rather, customers are advised in a public health alert to not consume the affected ground beef.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal," the FSIS said in a statement.

"FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed."

Newsweek has contacted Stockyards Packing Company for comment.

Hard plastic or metal fragments can cause choking, particularly in children, elderly individuals or those with swallowing difficulties. Sharp fragments may also cause injuries to the mouth, throat and digestive tract, leading to internal bleeding or infections.

Additionally, if injuries from foreign objects occur, they may introduce bacteria or other pathogens, further increasing the risk of infection.

FSIS advises customers to throw away any previously bought products remaining in freezers and fridges involved in the public health alert, or return them to the place of purchase.

"There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider," the FSIS said.

According to the USDA, foreign materials contaminants are classified as non-animal objects, including metal, plastic, rubber, glass, wood, steel, and bullets.

These contaminants are considered adulterants if they pose a risk to human health, and fragments larger than 7 mm are generally considered a choking hazard or risk of injury.

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