South American Meat Inc., operating under the name 5Gogi LLC, has initiated a recall of over 20,000 pounds of various frozen raw beef products.

South American Meat Inc. Recall

These products, imported from Uruguay on March 17, 2024, were not presented for the required U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reinspection upon entry into the United States. The recalled products were distributed to various locations in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington, including distributors, restaurants, retailers, and institutions.

The issue was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance of imported products, which revealed that the beef items had bypassed mandatory import reinspection. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products. However, the USDA advises anyone concerned about potential health reactions to seek medical advice.

List of Recalled Products

The recall includes the following products, all labeled “Frigorífico Casa Blanca S.A.” and featuring individual vacuum-sealed packages within cardboard cases:

• AGUJA CHUCK ROLL (Case Code JP0001)
• ASADO SIN HUESO SHORT RIB (Case Code JP0002)
• BIFE ANCHO CUBE ROLL (Case Code JP0003)
• BIFE ANGOSTO STRIPLOIN (Case Code JP0004)
• BIFE GRANDE DE VACÍO FLAP MEAT (Case Code JP0005)
• CARNAZA DE PALETA SHOULDER CLOD (Case Code JP0006)
• LOMO TENDERLOIN (Case Code JP0007)
• MARUCHA OYSTER BLADE (Case Code JP0008)
• PECHO BRISKET (Case Code JP0009)

The products can be identified by the Uruguay establishment number 58 printed inside the Uruguay inspection mark on both the shipping box and vacuum-sealed packaging. The USDA urges individuals and entities who have purchased these products to refrain from consuming or serving them. Instead, they should dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase.

Cargill Meat Solutions Recall

In a separate incident earlier in May, Cargill Meat Solutions recalled over 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products due to potential E. coli contamination. These products were produced on April 26-27, 2024, and the issue was identified after the company realized that previously segregated products had been inadvertently used in the production of ground beef.

Details of Recalled Ground Beef Products

The following products are affected by the recall:

• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF” (Lot Code 117, Establishment Number EST. 86P)
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES” (Lot Code 118, Establishment Number EST. 86P)
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF” (Lot Code 117, Establishment Number EST. 86P)
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK” (Lot Code 118, Establishment Number EST. 86P)
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES” (Lot Code 118, Establishment Number EST. 86P)
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays of “90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES” (Lot Code 118, Establishment Number EST. 86P)

While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions from these products, the USDA advises consumers to discard them or return them to their place of purchase if they have any concerns.

Symptoms of E. coli Contamination

Consumers should be aware of the symptoms of E. coli contamination, which include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms can appear anywhere from 2 to 8 days after exposure. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately. These recalls highlight the importance of food safety and the rigorous inspections required to ensure that all imported meat products meet U.S. standards. Consumers are advised to stay informed about recalls and take necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety.