Undeclared Allergens Trigger Major Hot Dog Recall by USDA

"Recall" stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

The USDA recalls nearly 2,000 pounds of Dearborn Sausage hot dogs due to undeclared allergens, posing health risks to consumers with specific allergies.

At a Glance

Dearborn Sausage Company recalls 1,944 pounds of wiener products due to mislabeling
Products contain undeclared pork and soy, posing risks to those with allergies
Affected items were distributed in Ohio and produced on August 7, 2024
No adverse reactions reported, but consumers advised to return or discard products

Recall Details and Affected Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a significant recall involving Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. The Michigan-based company is recalling approximately 1,944 pounds of ready-to-eat wiener products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The recalled products contain soy and pork, which are not declared on the product labels, potentially endangering consumers with allergies to these ingredients.

The recall affects two specific products:

1. 2-lb. packages of “BROOKSIDE BRAND FULLY COOKED NATURAL CASING BEEF WIENERS” with undeclared pork (lot code A0122024, sell by date 11/05/2024)

2. 2-lb. packages of “BROOKSIDE BRAND NATURAL CASING FULLY COOKED WIENERS” with undeclared soy (lot code A0322024, sell by date 11/05/2024)

Both products bear the establishment number “EST. 10002” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Ohio, potentially putting consumers in that state at risk.

Health Risks and Consumer Advice

The USDA has classified this as a Class I recall, indicating a high or medium risk of serious health consequences or death. Soy allergies can cause severe reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild skin reactions to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Similarly, undeclared pork poses risks for those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

“FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ and retailers’ refrigerators and/or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” the USDA said.

While no confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been reported due to consumption of these products, the USDA advises anyone concerned about an injury or illness to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Cause of Mislabeling and Discovery

The recall was initiated after a retailer complaint led to the discovery of the mislabeling issue. The USDA explained, “The establishment determined that they inadvertently mislabeled beef wiener products as beef and pork wiener products and vice versa. The products labeled as beef and pork wiener products actually contain beef wiener products that contain soy; therefore, soy is not declared on the finished product label.”

This incident highlights the critical importance of accurate food labeling, especially concerning allergens. Even seemingly minor errors can have potentially severe consequences for consumers with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Consumer and Industry Response

In response to the recall, FSIS will be conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that the company is notifying its customers of the recall and that steps are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Chase McQuiston, FSQA Manager, Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. at 313-842-2375, ext. 3052. Additionally, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or via email at [email protected] for those seeking more information.

#Alert Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Wiener Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens https://t.co/T5hYXprUzV

— USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (@USDAFoodSafety) September 12, 2024

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in food safety and the need for consumers to stay informed about potential risks in their food supply. It also underscores the responsibility of food manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality control measures to prevent such mislabeling incidents.