WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat beef jerky stick products that may be contaminated with plastic. A recall was not requested because the affected products are no longer available for purchase.
The alert applies to beef jerky sticks produced by Top Notch Jerky LLC on May 27, 2025, with an 18-month shelf life.
The products subject to the alert are (view labels – PDF):
- 6.9-ounce bags containing six 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “RIVERBEND RANCH Original Beef Stick” with a “Best By date of 11/27/2026.”
- 6.9-ounce bags containing six 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “RIVERBEND RANCH Jalapeño Beef Stick” with a “Best By date of 11/27/2026.”
These products bear “EST. 47282” on the back of the label and were distributed online and to retail locations nationwide, including Puerto Rico.
The issue was discovered after Top Notch Jerky LLC notified FSIS of consumer complaints reporting transparent plastic pieces in the beef stick products.
There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of these products. However, FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in consumers’ pantries. Consumers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
Consumers with questions can contact Top Notch Jerky, LLC at 208-372-3231 or [email protected]. For food safety questions, consumers can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).
