A public health alert has been issued for a brand of ready-to-eat beef sticks due to possible plastic contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s alert covers Riverbend Ranch beef jerky sticks. A recall wasn’t issued because the beef sticks are no longer available for purchase but may be in people’s homes. The beef jerky sticks were produced on May 27, 2025 and have an 18-month shelf life.

The public health alert covers two types of Riverbend Ranch beef sticks:

• 6.9 oz. bags containing six 1.15-oz. vacuum-sealed packages of “Riverbend Ranch Original Beef Stick” with a “Best By” date of Nov. 27, 2026.
• 6.9 oz. bags containing six 1.15 oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing of “ Riverbend Ranch Jalapeño Beef Stick” with a “Best By” date of Nov. 27, 2026.

The beef sticks were distributed nationwide.

There have been no confirmed reports of injuries or illnesses related to the products but people who have them are asked to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.