Ground Turkey Recalled For Possible Metal Shavings In Publix And Other Brands

Tens of thousands of pounds of ground turkey were recalled this week after officials found metal shavings in a package containing the product. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Monday that Prestage Foods, Inc. was recalling roughly 38,475 pounds of ground turkey that could have been “contaminated with extraneous materials.”

Evidence of possibly contaminated meat was observed Sept. 27 while employees at the plant were cleaning processing equipment, according to an FSIS press release. The FSIS was notified the same day by a retail location that a package of ground turkey contained metal shavings.

The products — which are marked with the establishment number “P-22000” inside the confirmation of inspection — were shipped to distribution centers in nine states: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. All of the ground products subject to recall were packaged in styrofoam with clear plastic wrap. Specific products from three brands included:

• 1.3-pound “Publix ground turkey breast with natural flavorings” and the first four digits of 7268 and 7269
• 1.3-pound “Publix ground turkey with natural flavorings” and the first four digits of 7268 and 7269
• 1.2-pound “Fit & Active Fresh Ground Turkey With Natural Flavoring” and the first four digits of 7268 and 7269
• 1.0-pound “Weis Markets Fresh Ground Turkey Breast” and the first four digits of 7268 and 7269

“There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider,” the FSIS said. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

The most recent meat debacle follows the USDA’s announcement in July that it was recalling more than 7 million pounds of hot dog products after it was discovered that the meat may have contained bone fragments. The nationwide recall included brands Sabrett, Western Beef, Stew Leonard’s, Papaya King, 1906 and Windmill.

“Complaints stated that extraneous material, specifically pieces of bone, were found within the product,” the USDA said at the time. “There has been one reported minor oral injury associated with consumption of this product.”