Hotpockets School lunch recalled by USDA

School lunch supplier closed by USDA reopens; some Hot Pockets recalled

By Ed Payne and Chandler Friedman, CNN

updated 6:16 PM EST, Wed February 19, 2014http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/health/hot-pockets-recall/

(CNN) -- A California meat company suspended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of "insanitary conditions" is operating again, the agency said Wednesday.

"On Monday,(the Food Safety and Inspection Service) suspended operations at Central Valley Meat Co. due to insanitary conditions at the establishment," the agency said in a statement Wednesday. "After the company took corrective actions to address the issue, the suspension was lifted, and the plant has resumed operations."

The Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, supplies beef for federal school nutrition programs. In 2011, it provided nearly 21 million pounds of beef, or nearly 16% of the supply.

Meanwhile, Nestlé USA has issued a recall of two varieties of Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets because they may contain meat the department has already recalled.

The two brands are Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese in three different pack sizes, and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box.

For the exact batch code, please check this release.

Earlier, the USDA had recalled more than 8.7 million pounds of meat from the Rancho Feeding Corp. because it "processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection." The Hot Pockets may contain some of this meat.

No illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.

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According to Nestlé, consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund or contact Nestlé consumer services at 800-392-4057.

In August 2012, Central Valley Meat was closed while the USDA investigated what it called "disturbing evidence of inhumane treatment of cattle" at the supplier following its receipt of a video from an animal welfare group.

However, the USDA said at the time the video found nothing that would compromise food safety.

Central Valley Meat was cleared to reopen a few days later after the USDA said the company "committed to a number of corrective actions, including additional humane handling training for employees and safeguards."

In October, Central Valley Meat recalled more than 89,000 poundsof ground beef, saying it may contain small pieces of plastic, according to the USDA. No illnesses were reported.