USA – Pinnacle Foods Inc., the New Jersey packaged foods company has recalled about 32,479 pounds of dried beef for possible toxin contamination that may be as a result of a processing deviation.
The recall, announced by USDA said that the heat-treated, shelf-stable beef products could be possibly contaminated with staphylococcal enterotoxin and clostridial toxin.
The products, produced on 2 January 2018 and 9 April 2018 labelled with establishment number “EST. 2AD” inside the USDA mark of inspection are said to have been shipped to retail customers across the US.
Affected products included 2.25-oz. and 4.5-oz. glass jars containing Armour ground & formed sliced dried beef.
USDA reported although there were no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products, injury or illness should be reported and customers shouldn’t consume them.
“Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” said a statement from USDA statement.
“FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify 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.
When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website.”
The problem with ready to eat beef items was discovered on April 27, 2018 by an Enforcement Investigator and Analysis Officer while conducting a food safety assessment at the establishment.
According to Medical Microbiology, Staphylococcal enterotoxins are toxic proteins that can withstand 100°C for several minutes and symptoms from consumption include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhoea.
On the other hand, clostridial toxins may be C. perfringens that may cause food poisoning and its cells and spores grow quickly at room temperature, but they cannot grow at refrigerator or freezer temperatures.
