Big Health Alert: Plastic Found In These Beef Sticks

A Health Alert has been issued for these beef jerky sticks, after consumers found pieces of clear plastic in meat.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) beef jerky stick products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic."

A Health Alert is issued instead of a Recall when the products are no longer available for sale. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that these shelf-stable beef sticks aren't in people's possession.

Beef sticks are popular items for so many because they make for a quick snack for people on the go, busy kids, travelers, or those in the back country. They last a very long time, so check your cabinets for these products.

Details on each of the beef stick products that are under the Health Alert are as follows:

• 6.9 oz. bags containing six 1.15-oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing of "RIVERBEND RANCH Original Beef Stick" with a "Best By date of 11/27/2026"
• 6.9 oz. bags containing six 1.15 oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing of "RIVERBEND RANCH Jalapeño Beef Stick" with a "Best By date of 11/27/2026"

Beef sticks generally have a very long shelf life. "The RTE beef jerky stick products were produced on May 27, 2025 and have an 18-month shelf life."

"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."

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