Meat recalls are common due to foreign body contamination, often from bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella. Proper hygiene in processing plants and cooking meat to the correct temperature can prevent illness. Contaminated pet food can also pose a risk to humans.
Regulations govern food safety around the world, but it’s not unusual for companies to issue a large-scale recall of potentially unsafe meat products. This often happens because the company or government has found a potential for foreign body contamination that makes the meat unsafe. Many times, the contaminant is a form of bacteria and can be similar to contaminants found in dairy products. Contamination of meat products can occur in factories and processing plants where proper hygiene is not observed or can be present in the animal’s meat as it enters the plant.
One of the most common contaminants responsible for a meat recall is Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli. These bacteria are often found in animal faeces or in water that has been in contact with contaminated waste. If meat processing plants don’t follow proper health and sanitation guidelines, raw meat can become contaminated. Although the E. coli is killed when raw meat is properly cooked to 160°F (71°C), many companies will issue a meat recall rather than risk consumer illness.
Another type of bacteria responsible for companies issuing a meat recall is Listeria monocytogenes, which is found in chicken, pork and processed meats. In some cases, the recalls have also extended to products such as soups and salads that contain meat products from processors where there has been a sanitation violation. Severe contamination can lead to the development of a fatal disease or the pregnancy of women suffering from miscarriages, as the bacteria can be particularly lethal to the young and old.
Salmonella contamination is also a common cause of a meat recall; some cover entire countries and can turn into international recalls. Typically found in chicken and other poultry, Salmonella is also found in some seasonings and preparation ingredients used in the production of processed meats, such as cured meat cuts. Like the E. coli, Salmonella is usually killed when cooked to the right temperature; however, companies that find product batches contaminated typically recall the meat to ensure no consumers get sick.
Sometimes, a meat recall is issued for products designed for animal consumption. Dog food, cat food, and cowhide chews can also be contaminated with bacteria making them dangerous not only for consumption by pets, but also for humans who handle the foods. Pets can demonstrate many of the same symptoms as humans when fed contaminated foods.
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