Standard Meat Company recalls sirloin over Salmonella fears

Standard Meat Company (SMC) has recalled over 53,000lb of raw beef sirloin cuts over concerns that some products were contaminated with Salmonella, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The items contained a non-meat ingredient, Au Jus Seasoning, which tested positive for Salmonella. SMC uses this product in its marinade, which is injected into its sirloin steaks.

The Sagina, Texas based company stated that the frozen, marinated top sirloin products were produced between 19 February and 14 March 2018.

The items subject to recall were 20lb-approximate boxes containing ‘USDA Select or Higher Beef 6oz Top Sirloin Steak Mechanically Tenderised’ and 30lb-approximate boxes of ‘USDA Select or Higher Beef 8oz Top Sirloin Steak Mechanically Tenderised’.

The items carry the establishment number ‘EST. 33861’ inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were sent to restaurants across the country.

The Au Jus Seasoning supplier first notified SMC that the seasoning had been recalled. There have been no confirmed reports of illnesses due to consuming the sirloins thus far.

The FSIS is concerned that the meat could have travelled as far as the refrigerators of customer who take home food from restaurants as leftovers. The organisation has urged consumers to throw away or return beef products taken from restaurants.

The FSIS has taken certain measures to ensure recalls are effective and that firms notify their consumers of the correct steps to return products and mitigate a potential outbreak.

Food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis when consumed, which is one of the most common causes of food poisoning.