USDA Recalls Over 20,000 Pounds of Chili in School Lunches Due to Plastic Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a recall of over 20,000 pounds of beef and bean chili used in school lunches nationwide on Sunday. The decision came after a customer reported finding "semi-rigid white plastic material" in the chili.

The chili, packed in 30-pound cases each containing five-pound boilable bags, was produced on February 27. Each case carries the lot code 23058, with "EST. 1917" appearing inside the USDA inspection mark on every case. The J.T.M. Provisions Company, located in Harrison, Ohio, produced the chili.

The USDA Foods purchased the 22,530 pounds of chili and distributed them to California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin for use in the National School Lunch Program.

While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to consuming the chili, the USDA advises anyone with concerns about possible injury or illness to contact a healthcare provider.

The potentially contaminated products might still be in school freezers and refrigerators. School officials are advised to either dispose of the products or return them.

For questions about the recall, contact Matt Montgomery, CFO at the J.T.M. Provisions Company, at 513-367-4900 or mmontgomery@jtmfoodgroup.com.