Dean & Peeler Meatworks, LLC, located in Poth, Texas, has initiated a significant recall of approximately 1,835 pounds of fresh ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. This recall, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), raises concerns about food safety and public health.
Recall Details:
The affected fresh ground beef products were produced on August 22, 2023. The following products, identifiable by their lot codes and packaging, are included in the recall:
1. 1-lb., 5-lb., and 10-lb. vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing “Peeler Farms WAGYU BEEF GROUND BEEF” with lot code 17836.
2. 5-lb. vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing “R-C RANCH TEXAS CRAFT MEATS WAGYU RC13610 STEAKHOUSE BLEND – GROUND BEEF 5 lb” with lot code 17816.
3. 8-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing “R-C RANCH TEXAS CRAFT MEATS WAGYU RC13603 – GROUND BEEF PATTIES 8 oz” with lot code 17816.
The establishment number “EST. 51283” is present inside the USDA mark of inspection on the recalled products. The distribution of these items was primarily to restaurant locations within the greater San Antonio, Texas, area.
Health Concerns:
The recall was initiated after a third-party laboratory analysis of the ground beef product showed a presumptive positive result for E. coli O157:H7. This bacterium can lead to severe health consequences, including dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically appear 2-8 days after exposure. In some cases, especially among young children and older adults, the bacterium can cause a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Consumer Action:
If you have purchased any of the recalled ground beef products, please take the following steps:
1. Do Not Consume: Refrain from consuming these products.
2. Dispose or Return: Discard the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Food Safety Measures:
To ensure food safety, FSIS advises consumers to thoroughly cook raw meat products, including ground beef, to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This temperature is sufficient to eliminate harmful bacteria. The use of a food thermometer is recommended to verify proper cooking temperatures.
For further information and inquiries about the recall, consumers can contact Dustin Dean, Co-Owner of Dean & Peeler LLC, at 830-484-0012 or dustin@dpmeatworks.com. Media inquiries can be directed to Mysti Richardson, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development of Dean & Peeler Meatworks, at Mysti@deanandpeeler.com.
For additional food safety concerns, consumers can reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or through live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Reports of problems with meat, poultry, or egg products can be submitted through the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System: https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.