Whole frozen cattle heads recalled

Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin is alerting Georgians to a nationwide recall of whole frozen cattle heads.

Elkhorn Valley Packing LLC, of Harper, Kan., is voluntarily recalling approximately 406,000 pounds of frozen cattle heads that are not in full compliance with federal regulations because the tonsils had not been completely removed.

The recalled products include bulk boxes of various weights labeled "BEEF WHOLE HEADS, KEEP REFRIGERATED." Each shipping package bears the establishment numbers "EST. 19549A" inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a package code of "91700" or "93700."

The company is recalling all products packed before March 28, 2008, with the package code "91700" or "93700." These products were sent to distributors and wholesalers nationwide.
 
Tonsils are a specified risk material (SRM) and must be removed from cattle of all ages in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations.  SRMs are tissues that are known to contain the infective agent in cattle infected with BSE (mad cow disease), as well as materials that are closely associated with these potentially infective tissues. Therefore, FSIS prohibits SRMs from use as human food to minimize potential human exposure to the BSE agent.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact company President Mike Grant at (620) 896-2300.

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