The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat beef jerky stick products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic. FSIS did not request a recall because the affected products are no longer available for purchase.

The RTE beef jerky stick products were produced on May 27, 2025, and have an 18-month shelf life. The following products are subject to the public health alert: 6.9-ounce bags containing six 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages containing 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 containing of "RIVERBEND RANCH Jalapeno Beef Stick" with a "Best By date of 11/27/2026"

The products bear "EST. 47282" on the back of the label. These items were shipped to a company that further distributed the products online and to locations nationwide, including Puerto Rico.

The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received consumer complaints reporting transparent pieces of plastic in the beef stick products.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' pantries. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Source: USDA FSIS