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Frequently Asked Questions – J.F. O’Neill Packing Company Recall
What is the recall?
On October 16, 2009, J.F. O'Neill Packing Company, based in Omaha, Neb., recalled approximately 33,000 pounds of beef tongue. The meat was processed between the dates of July 1 and October 8, 2009.
Why was the meat recalled?
J.F. O’Neill Packing Company issued the recall because many of the beef tongue may not have had the tonsils completely removed. According to reports, the USDA requires the tonsils to be removed during butchering because tonsils are known to carry the defective protein which is responsible for infecting cattle with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as BSE and Mad Cow Disease.
Does this affect Kobe Beef America products?
No. All Kobe Beef Products are safe. Kobe Beef America was inaccurately named as one of the labels affected in the recall. Kobe Beef America has not sold any beef tongue with a Kobe Beef America label since May of 2009. The beef tongue recalled was processed between July 1 and Oct. 8, 2009. Therefore, the recall announced does not include any Kobe Beef America products.
Does Kobe Beef America process its meat with J.P. O’Neill Meat Packing Company?
Yes. Kobe Beef America does work with the packing company and has had meat processed there in past. However, Kobe Beef America has not processed any beef tongue for sale during the timeframe named in the recall.
Why does Kobe Beef America process meat at a packing company?
In the meat industry, it is typical for private label companies, such as Kobe Beef America, to send live cattle to packing companies. The packing company processes and butchers the cattle. The meat to be sold under a private label is then sent back to the company where it is cut into specific cuts and packaged for sale. Any parts not shipped back to the private label company is then packaged and sold or used by the meat packing company. Typically, this leftover meat includes inedible pieces such as ears, hoofs, and heads. Sometimes this includes beef tongue.
Is this a significant recall?
This is a Class II recall. This signifies there is no immediate health danger to the average consumer. USDA defines a Class II as: involving a potential health hazard situation in which there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food. For more details on recalls, go to the USDA Web site, http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome
About Kobe Beef America
R.L. Freeborn is a fourth generation beef producer from Redmond, Oregon, and the visionary behind Kobe Beef America (KBA™, LLC). Kobe Beef America is the oldest Kobe beef company in the U.S. and was established on the basic premise to provide unmatched flavor, tenderness and consistency… guaranteed. KBA’s American style Kobe Beef is unmatched in quality in the U.S. and fills the gap between how Americans appreciate steak and the Japanese delicacy. At KBA, the company focuses on Wagyu cattle, the Japanese animal typically used for the Japanese style beef delicacies. Freeborn has organized producers from various parts of the United States. Under his direction, they're channeling animal genetics and feed programs to produce superior beef products exclusively for KBA™. All KBA Wagyu beef products are natural and free of growth hormone additives. The company is located in Redmond, Oregon, and was the first to market American style Kobe Beef in the U.S.
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