We returned two packages to HEB yesterday. They were ground, packaged, purchased and returned on the same day. The meat color is bright red under the shrink wrap. the bright red layer is less than 1/4" deep and then the color changed to brown. HEB ground beef has been like this for a long time. The meat dept manager says the middle is brown due to oxygenation, or lack of oxygenation I can't remember. This is normal and safe, and the store will gladly pay a refund to a concerned customer. Why is HEB ground beef different? Other stores' and meat markets' ground beef is an even color throughout.