In one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history, Hillshire Brands, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, has voluntarily recalled approximately 58 million pounds (26 million kg) of breaded sausage and sausage sticks. The recall was initiated after wood fragments were discovered in the breading, causing injuries to at least five consumers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) classified this recall as a Class I, indicating a high health risk. The affected products, produced between March and September this year, include popular brands like Jimmy Dean and State Fair, as well as items supplied to schools and foodservice establishments.
The recalled products have been widely distributed across the U.S., including major retailers like Walmart and Target, as well as schools and Department of Defense facilities. While not part of the National School Lunch Program, the presence of these products in commercial schools has raised concerns among parents and authorities.
Preliminary investigations traced the wood fragments to the production process at a Texas facility. Wooden skewers used in production inadvertently broke apart, with fragments mixing into the breading, making them nearly invisible after frying.
Authorities urge consumers to inspect their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products, identified by specific establishment numbers on the packaging. Affected items should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase for a refund. Individuals who have suffered injuries after consuming these products are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Hillshire Brands stated that the recall is being conducted “out of an abundance of caution” and is limited to products from the Texas facility. The company is collaborating with regulatory agencies to identify the root cause and has implemented enhanced quality control measures to prevent future incidents.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to the food processing industry. In a production environment handling millions of units daily, even minor oversight in quality control can lead to significant health risks and severe reputational damage.
Given its massive scale and broad distribution, the Hillshire Brands recall will have lasting repercussions. Beyond the financial costs, estimated in the hundreds of millions, the incident poses a significant challenge to the brand’s reputation as one of America’s largest processed food manufacturers. Most critically, it underscores the imperative for companies to prioritize consumer safety and health, as even small lapses can trigger full-blown crises.
Source: The NY Times
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