Food Lion Recalls Ground Beef Due to Plastic Contamination

Retailer initiates recall after pieces of black rubber gasket found in meat.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Food Lion has issued a recall for four varieties of in-store prepared ground beef due to potential contamination with small pieces of a black rubber plastic gasket that became dislodged during the grinding process. The affected products were produced at a single Food Lion store location in Midlothian, Virginia on February 6, 2026 and have a sell-by date of February 8, 2026.

Why it matters

Food safety is a critical concern for consumers, and this recall highlights the importance of vigilance in the food production process to identify and address potential contaminants before products reach the public. Recalls can help prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain consumer trust in grocery retailers.

The details

The recalled products include 73% Lean Fresh Ground Beef, 80% Lean Fresh Ground Chuck, 85% Lean Fresh Ground Round, and 93% Lean Fresh Ground Beef in all package sizes. Customers who purchased any of the affected products are advised not to consume them and can return the items to the Midlothian, Virginia store location for a double refund under Food Lion's 'Double Your Money Back Guarantee'.

  • The affected products were produced on February 6, 2026 after 11:30 a.m.
  • The sell-by date for the recalled ground beef is February 8, 2026.

The players

Food Lion

A regional grocery store chain with locations across the eastern United States.

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The takeaway

This recall underscores the importance of food manufacturers and retailers maintaining rigorous quality control measures to identify and address potential contaminants before products reach consumers. Proactive recalls like this one help protect public health and maintain consumer trust in the food supply.