The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a serious warning to consumers, recalling over 10,000 pounds of pork products due to potential health hazards. Two separate recalls, spanning four states, highlight ongoing concerns about food safety and the importance of proper inspection processes in our nation’s food supply chain.
The first recall, issued by Impero Foods & Meats, Inc., involves approximately 7,485 pounds of raw pork sausage produced without federal inspection. The sausages, labeled as “Old World Italian Sausage links and ropes,” were produced at a facility with a suspended inspection grant. According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), surveillance revealed that these products were made under unregulated conditions between October 3 and December 19, 2024.
These pork products, which were shipped to retail locations and restaurants in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, have been identified with the establishment number “EST. 10827” on the packaging. While no adverse reactions have been reported, the USDA has labeled the recall as “Class I,” indicating a health hazard situation where consumption of the products could lead to serious, adverse health consequences or even death.
Consumers who have purchased “Old World Sausage” with an undisclosed brand between October 2 and December 19, 2024, are urged to dispose of the products or return them to the point of purchase immediately. This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that all food products undergo federal inspection, particularly those sold to the public as ready-to-eat items.
In a separate recall in Oklahoma, Ralph’s Packing Company is recalling 3,132 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and beef bologna products due to misbranding and the undeclared presence of milk, a serious allergen. The recalled products include Ralph’s Circle R brand Garlic Bologna and Garlic Bologna with Jalapeños. These items have been sold since September 2022 and may still be sitting in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers, potentially putting individuals at risk for an allergic reaction.
The bologna products, identified by the establishment number “EST. 51557,” were sold under various lot codes, including those marked with “Garlic Bologna” and “Garlic Bologna with Jalapeños.” FSIS issued a warning that these products may have been sliced and sold at retail deli counters, further increasing the potential for exposure. Once again, while no illnesses have been reported, the USDA is advising anyone who purchased these products to dispose of them immediately or return them to the retailer.
The recall of these widely distributed meat products highlights an ongoing issue within the food industry: the need for greater oversight and consumer awareness regarding food safety. These recalls also underscore the importance of labeling accuracy, especially when it comes to allergens, which can lead to severe and sometimes fatal reactions.
The USDA’s quick action in addressing these concerns should be commended, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for consumers. As food safety and inspection standards continue to evolve, Americans must remain vigilant about the food they purchase, ensuring that all products meet the rigorous health standards required for safe consumption. As always, when in doubt, consumers should err on the side of caution—return recalled products or dispose of them to protect their health and well-being.
