The beef recall that was announced in January and February of this year from Rancho Feeding Corp. may have now reached 35 states and Guam, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Thousands of retail stores have been placed on a list of possible companies that could have received beef from Rancho Feeding Corp. since the February recall. The updated list of distributors published by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) includes more than 6,300 retailers.
The original recall stated that the products in question had been shipped to distribution centers and retail establishments in California, Florida, Illinois and Texas. USDA spokesman Adam Tarr told CNN Friday that there is a possibility that the list will continue to grow.
"The retail list has been growing as more customers have been notified," Tarr said. "The list could expand."
The updated list included more than 2,300 stores in California, the state with the most retailers. The USDA will continue to update the list, an effort to get affected products removed from stores, both public and private, Tarr said.
Rancho Feeding Corporation of Petaluma, CA, recalled 8.7 million pounds of meat after health officials reported that it originated from "diseased and unsound" animals that lacked a complete inspection over the past 18 months. In January, the firm recalled more than 40,000 pounds of meat products.
"Thus, the products are adulterated, because they are unsound, unwholesome or otherwise are unfit for human food and must be removed from commerce," health officials reported in February.
The recalled products were produced and shipped between January 1, 2013, and January 7, 2014. Shipments included beef carcasses, beef oxtail, liver, cheeks, tongue and other meats that weighed between 30 pounds and 60 pounds. These shipments bear the establishment number "EST. 527" and each box holds the case code number ending in "3" or "4."
The incident caused Nestle to recall some of its Hot Pockets, sold at several retail markets including Wal-Mart. Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box, were removed from the shelves after learning that Nestle used a small quantity of meat from Rancho Feeding Corp.
The Rancho Feeding Corp recall was reported as a class one level, suggesting a health hazard situation. Yet the recall neither confirms nor denies that the use of the product will cause "serious, adverse health consequences or death."
The USDA has not reported any illness, however reported that without a full inspection, the products can be harmful for human consumption.
Full list of products recalled.
