Publix Super Markets, the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States, has issued a recall for certain ground beef products. The recall specifically affects ground beef sold at The Village at Flynn Crossing location in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Background
The recall was initiated due to concerns about potential contamination from foreign material in the ground beef. The recall does not state how the contamination was discovered or what foreign materials might be present.
“As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from store shelves,” said Maria Brous, Publix Director of Communications, in the recall notice.
Publix has said that no other products or store locations are affected by the recall.
Product Details
“Market Ground Beef” beef product sold at The Village at Flynn Crossing Publix location only with a sell-by date of May 30, 2024. According to Publix, ground beef product sold at the location on or after May 31, 2024 are not impacted by this recall.
Consumer Action
- Consumers who purchased ground beef from this location should immediately check their refrigerators or freezers for the affected product.
- As with all food recalls, any recalled product should not be consumed, even if the food appears to be safe to eat.
- Consumers in possession of the affected product should dispose of it or return it to Publix for a full refund.
- Consumers with additional questions or concerns can call the Publix Customer Care team at 800-242-1227.
Health Risks
Publix has not yet released specific details on what foreign material was found in the ground beef. Foods are typically recalled due to bacterial contamination, undeclared allergens, labeling errors, or the presence of foreign materials.
Bacterial contamination from pathogens like E. coli and others can lead to serious or deadly infections. Undeclared allergens can cause severe reactions in those with certain allergies.
According to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) compliance policy guide Foods, Adulteration Involving Hard or Sharp Foreign Objects, “Hard or sharp foreign objects in food may cause traumatic laceration and perforation of tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach, and intestine as well as damage to the teeth and gums.”
Commenting on this article, one national food safety attorney said, “Consumers who have purchased ground beef from the Village at Flynn Crossing Publix location should check the packaging and follow the recall instructions if any affected product is found.”
