Butchers/meat cutters. Was I almost poisoned? Help!

Factual Questions
1

I’m not kidding here. I think I almost ate something very, very bad. Tonight (saturday night) my wife and I went grocery shopping. At the deli section my wife asked for a pound of sliced beef summer sausage, which was on display in the case. We frequently buy the beef sausage from the deli case from this store. This store is open 24 hours, but the deli is open until 9p.m…
It was 8:40 when my wife got the sausage.

About 25 minutes ago I made a sandwhich with this sausage, and BLECH! Like a mouthfull of chemicals.
The meat is not smelly or rancid. But man, it taste very, very, very stongly like a “Band Aid”. Like Benzene (Benzine?:confused: ) or something. Had they cleaned their cutter with something before we ordered? There is some kind of chemical on this meat. It’s not the meat itself. Somethings on it. Obviously we will take it back tomorrow. But what about my health? whatever this is, will I be okay? I feel fine, but I’ve already drank 2 beers and that taste is still in my mouth!!

2

Anything that is routinely used in sanitising food preparation areas has to be not especially toxic to human health (in this country, anyway) and so I’d imagine you’re probably safe…

However, certain chemicals are used in the preparation of sausages, so there is the possibility that there was a mixing error and it is in the meat. I have heard of unscrupulous butchers who mix certain compounds with mincemeat that is past its best so that they can continue to sell it.

It would be appropriate to contact the store with your concerns, and if you develop any symptoms, to see a doctor.

3

Well, I feel fine so I guess I’m okay. But that horrible taste! I can still taste it! My wife said they had cut some chees with the same cutter before we got the sausage, so they probably sprayed some cleaning solution on it before cutting our sausage. Man, I can’t tell you how bad it tastes!