by ADA, Michi. – A widespread recall has been issued for over 1,000 pounds of frozen, fully cooked ground beef, following reports that the product may be contaminated with metal fragments. The alert comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and affects products shipped to California, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
The ground beef was manufactured by Ada Valley Meat Company, a Michigan-based processor known for supplying bulk meat products to institutions, such as hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, and food service providers.
Details of the Recalled Product
The product being recalled is labeled as:
“Ada Valley FULLY COOKED GROUND BEEF”
Each affected item is packaged in a 20-lb. cardboard case, containing four 5-lb. plastic bags. The impacted products were packed on two specific dates:
- May 28, 2025 (Lot Code: 35156)
- May 30, 2025 (Lot Code: 35157)
The boxes bear the establishment number “EST. 10031” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection. However, the FSIS notes that due to further distribution and processing by other facilities, other establishment numbers might appear on redistributed packaging.
Why the Recall Was Issued
The recall was initiated voluntarily by Ada Valley Meat Company after a consumer complaint indicated the discovery of metal fragments in an uncooked ground beef portion. Although no injuries or illnesses have been reported so far, the company and federal officials are urging caution.
“FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in institutional freezers,” the agency said in its official recall notice. “Institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to serve them.”
Consumers who may have received this product — especially in bulk food service environments — are advised to discard the beef or return it to the place of purchase.
What to Do If You Have This Product
The FSIS recommends that any individual or institution in possession of this product:
- Check the label for the “Ada Valley FULLY COOKED GROUND BEEF” marking
- Confirm the lot codes (35156 or 35157) and pack dates (May 28 or May 30, 2025)
- Look for the USDA inspection mark with establishment number EST. 10031
- Avoid serving or consuming the product
- Dispose of it properly or return it
Consumers are also encouraged to contact their local health departments if they believe they may have experienced health effects related to contaminated meat.
Why Metal Contamination is Dangerous
Foreign object contamination — particularly involving metal, plastic, or glass — is considered a Class I recall risk by USDA standards. These contaminants can cause:
- Choking or cuts in the mouth and throat
- Damage to the digestive tract
- Serious injury if sharp fragments are swallowed
Such recalls are taken seriously by regulatory agencies and can have far-reaching effects on supply chains, especially in institutional food settings.
Track Record and Safety Protocols
Ada Valley Meat Company has not had a publicly reported recall of this magnitude in recent years. However, food recalls for foreign material contamination are not uncommon. In fact, metal fragments are one of the top three reasons for food recalls in the U.S., along with Listeria and Salmonella contamination.
To ensure long-term safety, FSIS encourages all meat processors to implement enhanced inspection, metal detection, and hazard analysis protocols in their production facilities.
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