Before you go whip up hamburgers, meatloaf, or bolognese tonight, you should be aware of a new public health alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for ground beef. Here's what you need to know.
What beef is part of this public health alert?
According to FSIS, the beef that is part of the public health alert is White Oak Pastures Radically Traditional Farming, Grassfed Ground Beef. It was produced on February 26, 2026, and sold in 16-oz plastic, vacuum-packed packaging, with the company's label on the front.
The beef product also has the establishment number "EST 34729" printed inside the USDA mark of inspection and is stamped on the back with the lot number "105761" along with the sell-by date of March 19, 2026.
The notice also explained that the beef was shipped to a distributor, along with Mom's Organic Markets retail locations in D.C., Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Is this a recall?
No, FSIS did not issue a recall for this beef, choosing instead to send out a public health alert. That is because the "product is no longer available for purchase," thus, there is no need for a recall. However, because many people buy ground beef to stash in their freezer, FSIS issued a warning so everyone knows to double check what’s in their homes.
The United States Department of Agriculture further explains that a food recall is a "voluntary action by a company to remove adulterated or misbranded products from commerce. A recall is intended to protect the public from unsafe and improperly labeled foods." But, a public health alert is simply to "inform the public about potential health risks in cases where a recall cannot be recommended. For example, FSIS may be aware of an outbreak of foodborne illness, but the source has not yet been identified. Or, illnesses may occur due to improper handling of a particular product, and FSIS may issue an alert to remind consumers of safe food handling practices."
Why did the FSIS send out the notice?
The health alert was sent as the beef may be "contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal," according to FSIS. The issue was discovered after the company received two separate complaints about the product. The good news is that FSIS has not received any reports of injury due to consumption of this product.
What should I do if I have this beef in my freezer?
While the beef is no longer available in stores, FSIS is concerned that consumers may still have it in their freezers. Those who have purchased the product are "urged not to consume them." FSIS added, "These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase."
Anyone with questions about this notice, or other recalls, can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to [email protected].
