Returned and Repackaged Hamburger Products Recalled from Prisons

After a Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) investigation of complaints about discoloration and off-odors, a New Jersey-based meat processor has reportedly recalled more than 225,000 pounds of ground beef products distributed to penal institutions in California and Oregon. In a recall release, FSIS reported that its review “uncovered evidence to show that the establishment repackaged and recoded returned products and sent them out for further distribution to institutional customers.” While no reports of illness were apparently associated with the recall, FSIS considers the products to be adulterated “because the establishment’s food safety plan was inadequate to produce wholesome product.” The meatpacker involved is One Great Burger. See FSIS News Release, January 10, 2011; Meatingplace.com, January 12, 2011.