Crider Foods of Stillmore, GA, is recalling more than half a million pounds of canned beef with gravy products that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead, because of a spice mix used from an outside supplier.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today that the 525,717 pounds of products were produced on Oct. 22, 2020, and March 15, 2021. 

“The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner. In-plant verification activities conducted by Crider Foods in conjunction with FSIS found that a spice mix used from an outside source contained unsafe levels of lead,” according to the recall notice posted today.

There is concern that consumers may have unused portions of these products in their homes because of their long shelf life, which extends into 2023 in some cases.

Lead is particularly dangerous to babies and children and can cause a variety of problems including learning disabilities.

“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,” according to the recall notice.

The following products are subject to recall [view the labels here]:

• 12-oz. cans of “Hargis House ROAST BEEF AND GRAVY” with best buy dates of 10/22/2022 and 3/15/2023.
• 12-oz. cans of “Clover Valley FULLY COOKED ROAST BEEF WITH GRAVY” with best buy dates of 10/22/2022 and 3/15/2023.
• 12-oz. cans of “Kroger ROAST BEEF WITH GRAVY” with best buy dates of 10/22/2022 and 3/15/2023.
• 12-oz. cans of “Hostess ROAST BEEF WITH GRAVY” with best buy dates of 10/22/2022 and 3/15/2023.
• 12-oz. cans of “Laura Lynn roast beef WITH GRAVY” with best buy dates of 10/22/2022 and 3/15/2023.
• 12-oz. cans of “ARMOUR Roast Beef WITH GRAVY” with best buy dates of 10/22/2022 and 3/15/2023.
• 12-oz. cans of “HARVEST CREEK Roast Beef with Gravy” with best buy dates of 10/22/2022 and 3/15/2023.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 31812” on the can. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.