Illinois Based Meat Producer Recalls Over 2,000 Pounds Of Contaminated Ground Beef

April 28, 2023

An Illinois-based meat producer has recalled more than 2,000 pounds of ground beef patties after consumers said it was allegedly tainted with an unknown substance.

Customers complained they found “rubber-like” material in the grass-fed beef products during preparation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said that Weinstein Whole Meats of Forest Park, Illinois, announced the recall on April 20, of 2,122 pounds of contaminated ground beef hamburger patties.

Inspectors identified the substance as “extraneous materials, specifically pieces of white neoprene.”

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is used for a wide variety of products, including car parts, electronics, and in personal protective equipment like face masks.

It also happens not to be biodegradable. Although it is considered safe, it is still a polymerized form of chloroprene, which the Environmental Protection Agency has called a likely carcinogen.

Chloroprene is currently on California’s Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to increase the risk of cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that exposure to chloroprene may also lead to dermatitis, conjunctivitis, corneal necrosis, anemia, temporary loss of hair, nervousness, and irritability.

Authorities do not believe ingesting very small amounts of chloroprene or neoprene will cause health problems.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/illinois-based-meat-producer-recalls-over-2000-pounds-of-contaminated-ground-beef_5225797.html