Most Recalled Meat Is Eaten, Never Recovered
US - Most recalled meat is eaten before it can be returned to the factory, according to a nauseating analysis by USA Today.
10 December 2007
2 minute read
Most people cook and consume their E. coli burgers in the time it takes for someone to go to the doctor and discover the source of their illness. For recalls following reports of consumer illness, only 20% of affected meat is ever recovered.
The USDA, which regulates meat and poultry, routinely samples thousands of products for harmful bacteria before they leave factories. Test results take a few days to produce.
During that time, companies can legally ship a product. If tests are positive, the product is recalled. Because the meat has been in the market a few days, recovery rates tend to be good: 62% per recall, on average.
There have been 54 meat recalls this year, up from 34 last year. For the most recent recalls, recovery rates are not yet available.
