Processed meat is often remembered.
Regulations govern food safety around the world, but it’s not uncommon for companies to conduct a large-scale recall of potentially dangerous meat products. This usually happens because the company or government has found a potential for foreign body contamination that makes the meat unsafe. Often the contaminant is a form of bacteria and can be similar to contaminants found in dairy products. Contamination of meat products can occur in factories and processing plants where proper hygiene is not observed, or it can be present in the meat of the animal when it enters the plant.
Meat department in a grocery store.
One of the most common contaminants responsible for meat recalls is Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli. These bacteria are often found in animal feces or in water that has been in contact with contaminated waste products. If meat processing plants do not follow proper health and sanitation guidelines, raw meat can become contaminated. Although E. coli is killed when raw meat is properly cooked to 160°F (71°C), many companies will issue a recall on the meat rather than risk making the consumer sick.
Some salmonellosis outbreaks have been linked to raw chicken.
Another type of bacteria responsible for meat recalls is Listeria monocytogenes, which is found in chicken, pork, and processed meats. In some cases, recalls have also been extended to products such as soups and salads that contain meat products from processors where there has been a violation of health regulations. Severe contamination can result in the development of fatal disease in individuals or spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. The bacteria can be particularly deadly for children and the elderly.
E. coli is a common medium contaminant.
Salmonella contamination is also a common cause of meat recalls; some span entire countries and can become international retreats. Salmonella, normally found in chicken and other poultry, can also be found in some of the seasonings and preparation ingredients used in the production of processed meats, such as deli cuts. Like E. coli, salmonella is usually killed when cooked to the right temperature; however, companies that find batches of contaminated product often recall the meat to ensure that no consumers get sick.
A meat recall is sometimes issued for products intended for animal consumption. Dog, cat, and rawhide foods can also be contaminated with bacteria that make them dangerous not only for pets to eat, but also for humans who handle food. Pets can show many of the same symptoms as humans when given contaminated food.