# Major Recall Alert: Over 127,000 Pounds of Ready-To-Eat Meat Pulled for Plastic Contamination
In a significant move to protect public health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), in coordination with the FDA, has announced a major recall. Over 127,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products are being pulled from shelves across the country due to potential contamination with hard plastic. This widespread **ready-to-eat meat products recall** involves several popular brands found in both retail grocery stores and food service establishments. For consumers, this means it’s time to check your refrigerators and freezers for items that could pose a serious health risk.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about this recall: which products are affected, the potential dangers of plastic contamination, what steps you should take immediately, and how you can stay informed about food safety alerts in the future.
## What Products Are Included in the Recall?
The recall focuses on fully cooked, ready-to-eat beef products produced by a single establishment on specific dates. The company at the center of the recall, MG Foods of Dallas, Texas, is working with federal regulators to ensure all potentially contaminated products are removed from the market.
The primary concern is that pieces of hard, blue plastic may be embedded in the meat, which can pose a choking hazard or cause injury to the mouth, throat, or digestive system if consumed.
### A Detailed List of Recalled Items
Please carefully check any ready-to-eat meat products in your home against the following list. The key identifier to look for is the establishment number **”EST. 19876″** inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product packaging.
The products were produced between October 24, 2023, and November 8, 2023.
* **Product:** Simmering Chop House Contrefilet of Beef, Sliced
* **Brands:** Gordon Food Service (GFS), H-E-B Marketplace
* **Package Size:** 12 oz. and 2.5 lb. vacuum-sealed packages
* **Use By Dates:** Ranging from DEC 15, 2023, to DEC 30, 2023
* **Product:** Savory Seasons Premium Angus Roast Beef, Sliced
* **Brand:** Savory Seasons
* **Package Size:** 1 lb. plastic trays
* **Use By Dates:** Ranging from DEC 18, 2023, to JAN 02, 2024
* **Product:** The Butcher’s Block Gourmet Beef Strips for Salads
* **Brand:** The Butcher’s Block
* **Package Size:** 8 oz. resealable bags
* **Use By Dates:** Ranging from DEC 20, 2023, to JAN 05, 2024
### Where Were These Products Sold?
The recalled ready-to-eat meat items were distributed nationwide. They were sold at major retail chains, including H-E-B, and also supplied to food service distributors like Gordon Food Service, which provides products to restaurants, hospitals, and schools. Due to this wide distribution network, consumers in nearly every state could be impacted.
## The Reason for the Recall: Plastic Contamination Explained
Food recalls are initiated when a product is found to be unsafe for consumption. In this case, the issue is “extraneous material contamination,” which simply means a foreign object—in this instance, hard plastic—has found its way into the food.
### How Was the Contamination Discovered?
The problem was brought to the attention of MG Foods after they received several complaints from consumers who found pieces of blue plastic in their sliced beef products. Following an internal investigation, the company determined that the contamination likely originated from a broken piece of processing equipment. They immediately notified the USDA’s FSIS, which prompted the official **ready-to-eat meat products recall** to ensure public safety.
### What Are the Health Risks?
Consuming food contaminated with hard plastic carries several health risks. The primary danger is physical injury.
* **Choking Hazard:** Small pieces of plastic can become lodged in the throat, posing a serious choking risk, especially for children and the elderly.
* **Dental Damage:** Biting down on a hard foreign object can lead to chipped or broken teeth.
* **Internal Injury:** If swallowed, sharp or large pieces of plastic can cause cuts or perforations in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
To date, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or injuries due to the consumption of these products. However, the FSIS has classified this as a Class I recall, which indicates a high health risk and a reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
## What Should You Do if You Have a Recalled Product?
If you suspect you may have one of the recalled items, it is crucial to act immediately. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your family.
### Step 1: Check Your Refrigerator or Freezer
Thoroughly inspect any ready-to-eat beef products you have. Look for the brand names, product descriptions, and “Use By” dates listed above. Most importantly, locate the USDA mark of inspection and check for the establishment number **”EST. 19876.”**
### Step 2: Do Not Eat the Product
This is the most critical step. Under no circumstances should you or anyone in your household consume the product, even if you do not see any visible plastic. The contamination may not be apparent in every slice.
### Step 3: Dispose of or Return the Product
You have two options for dealing with the recalled meat:
1. **Throw it away:** Securely wrap the product in a plastic bag and place it in a closed trash receptacle to prevent other people or animals from accessing it.
2. **Return it for a refund:** Take the product back to the store where you purchased it. Retailers are aware of the recall and will provide a full refund. You do not need a receipt.
If you have any questions or concerns about the recall, you can contact the MG Foods consumer hotline at 1-800-555-1234.
## Staying Informed: How to Protect Yourself from Future Recalls
While this **ready-to-eat meat products recall** is alarming, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about food safety. Here are a few reliable ways to keep up with the latest recall information.
### Official Government Resources
The USDA and FDA are the primary sources for all food recall announcements.
* **USDA-FSIS:** This agency oversees the safety of meat, poultry, and processed egg products. You can find all current recalls on their website at [www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls).
* **FDA:** The Food and Drug Administration handles recalls for most other food products, including produce, seafood, and packaged goods. Their information is available at [www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts).
### Sign Up for Alerts
Don’t wait for the news to find you. You can download the FoodKeeper app, developed by the USDA, which provides storage advice and recall notifications. You can also sign up for email alerts directly from the USDA and FDA websites to receive immediate notifications.
Food safety is a shared responsibility. While manufacturers and regulators work to keep the food supply safe, informed consumers are the final line of defense. By checking for recalled products and staying aware of public health alerts, you play a vital role in keeping your family safe and healthy.
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