I first heard about the beef recall by JBS Swift a few months ago, but at the time, I was lead to believe it was a limited recall in a very specific area (not anywhere near here). Since it’s now been expanded (again), and I know a lot of people buy these kinds of products ahead of time for July 4th BBQ, I thought it prudent to pass this along. There hasn’t really been much of anything about this is the national news. In fact, I’d totally forgotten about the beef recall.

In connection with the voluntary national recall by JBS Swift Beef Company for possible E-coli 0157:H7 in some of its products, H-E-B is notifying its customers and advising them to check their freezers for the beef products listed below.

* Raw Beef Briskets with plant inspection #969 (EST #969) with sell-by dates between 5/12 and 6/20
* Raw Beef Inside skirt steaks in a Styrofoam tray with sell-by dates between 5/4 and 6/20
* Hill Country Fare Beef for fajitas with a sell-by date of 5/23
* Any fresh ground beef in a Styrofoam tray with sell-by dates between 5/9 and 6/20

Currently, H-E-B does not have any of the impacted JBS Swift Beef products in its stores or in its supply chain. H-E-B has no reported illnesses, and there have been no reports of illnesses in Texas due to this recall.

H-E-B is issuing this recall in an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of our customers. Please return products impacted by this recall to the nearest H-E-B store for a refund or replacement.

Customers with any concerns or questions can contact H-E-B Customer Relations at 1-800 432-3113.

Additionally, while out looking for the information about the recall by JBS Swift, I found this quote in a June 30 news story to be interesting:

“It is important for consumers to note that the recalled product from the date in question was sold by JBS as whole muscle cuts, not as ground beef,” company spokesman Chandler Keys said Sunday. “The ground beef that might have been associated with illness was produced by other companies who often do not use the antimicrobial intervention steps we employ in our facility to reduce the risk of the beef products.”

Well, in light of the newest information –the recalling of ground beef by JBS Swift– it sure seems to me that the above statement is an outright lie. If they didn’t have to recall their ground beef, they wouldn’t be, and yet now they are. Odd, yes?

Anyway, check your freezers for potentially tainted brisket, fajitas, and hamburger!