Texas firm recalls ground beef due to possible foreign matter contamination

WASHINGTON -- Sam Kane Beef Processors, a Corpus Christi, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 90,987 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FSIS announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

• 3 lb. packages of "HEB Ground Chuck", bearing the establishment number "337", a production date of "09/12/14" and a use by date of "10/02/14".
• 5 lb. packages of "HEB Ground Beef", "73% LEAN 27% FAT", bearing the establishment number "337", a production date of "09/15/14" and a use by date of "10/05/14".
• 10 lb. packages of "HEB Ground Beef", "73% LEAN 27% FAT", bearing the establishment number "337", a production date of "09/18/14" and a use by date of "10/08/14".
• 10 lb. clear film packages of formed patties made from Sam Kane Beef Processors "Ground Chuck", bearing the establishment number "337", a production date of "9/09/14" and a use by date of "9/29/14".

The products were produced on the above dates (between Sept. 9, 2014 and Sept. 18, 2014, with a sell by dates between Sept. 29, 2014 and Oct. 8, 2014) and bear the establishment number "337" inside the USDA Mark of Inspection. The products were shipped to retail outlets in Texas.

The problem was discovered after a retail location received consumer complaints involving ground beef and pieces of metal, approximately 3 mm in size. Four separate consumer complaints were received with one consumer reporting a chipped tooth. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness from consumption of these products should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Herb Meischen, Sr. V.P. Sales & Marketing at (361) 241-5000 Ext. 250.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. "Ask Karen" live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

H-E-B has released this statement following the recall: "H-E-B works hard to ensure the integrity and safety of all products we offer in our stores, and hold our suppliers to the highest standards in the industry. The recall has been issued by Sam Kane Beef Processors, LLC in an abundance of caution. Customers who purchased the affected product can return the product to the store for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B Customer Relations at 1-800-432-3113."