Lead Concerns Result in a Nationwide Recall of Multiple Brands of Canned Beef with Gravy Products

In October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that a Georgia establishment was recalling more than 525,000 pounds of canned beef with gravy products that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead, due to a spice mix used from an outside supplier.

The canned beef and gravy products were produced for seven different brands and were shipped to retail locations nationwide. The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a FSIS state partner. In-plant verification activities conducted by the food processor, in conjunction with FSIS, found that a spice mix used from an outside source contained unsafe levels of lead. 

Fortunately, at the time of the recall notice, there had been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged not to consume them and advised to thrown away the cans or returned them to the place of purchase.

“Spices with unsafe lead levels have caused a number of food product recalls in recent years,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Lead can accumulate in the body over time and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences. It’s certainly not something you want to have in the food supply. The testing of raw ingredients, in this case spices, could have prevented this costly recall. At EMSL, our food scientists offer comprehensive testing services of raw ingredients, production surfaces and final products. Testing is available for lead and other heavy metals, microbial contaminants and pathogens, and a wide range of pesticides and other chemical concerns.”

To learn more about food testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail