Beef Recall 2014
Rancho Feeding Corporation recalled over 8.7 million pounds of beef-related products due to lack of federal inspection. Pictured: A farmer shovels feed for his Holstein dairy cows in Seranvillers Forenville, northern France. Reuters

Talk about a bad moo-ve. Following the processing of meat products derived from “diseased and unsound animals,” Rancho Feeding Corporation has issued a recall for more than 8.7 million pounds of meat this week. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recall is being issued in response to the California company’s lack of federal inspection for an estimated 8,742,700 pounds of animal products.

“[The Rancho Feeding Corporation] processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection,” said the FSIS statement Saturday, adding, “The products are adulterated, because they are unsound, unwholesome or otherwise unfit for human food and must be removed from commerce.”

According to the report, beef products ranging from “beef carcasses” to 30- to 60-lb. boxes of “beef liver,” beef tongue” and “veal cuts,” are included in the voluntary recall. The affected products, which were reportedly distributed to retail establishments in California, Florida, Illinois and Texas, contain the establishment number “EST. 527" and a case code number ending in either 3 or 4.

The recall is currently being classified as a class one “high” health risk by the FSIS, with consumers reportedly at risk of serious health consequences, even death. Despite the classification, the FSIS is reporting that no illnesses in relation to the consumption of the recalled products have occurred.

For more information regarding the recall, consumers can contact the USDA’s meat and poultry hotline Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET by calling: 1-888-674-6854. The Rancho Feeding Corporation plant’s quality control manager, Scott Parks, can also be contacted, at 707-762-6651.

Rancho Feeding Corporation Meat Recall 2014:

  • "Beef Carcasses” (wholesale and custom sales only)

  • 2 per box "Beef (Market) Heads" (retail only)

  • 4 gallons per box "Beef Blood" (wholesale only)

  • 20-lb. boxes of “Beef Oxtail”

  • 30-lb. boxes of “Beef Cheeks”

  • 30-lb. boxes of " Beef Lips"

  • 30-lb. boxes of "Beef Omasum"

  • 30-lb. boxes of "Beef Tripas"

  • 30-lb. boxes of "Mountain Oysters"

  • 30-lb. boxes of "Sweet Breads”

  • 30- and 60-lb. boxes of “Beef Liver”

  • 30- and 60-lb. boxes of “Beef Tripe”

  • 30- and 60-lb. boxes of “Beef Tongue”

  • 30- and 60-lb. boxes of "Veal Cuts"

  • 40-lb. boxes of "Veal Bones"

  • 50-lb. boxes of “Beef Feet”

  • 50-lb. boxes of “Beef Hearts”

  • 60-lb. boxes of "Veal Trim"

California Florida