Over 12,000 Pounds of Bacon Recalled in 3 States

A significant recall has been initiated for over 12,000 pounds of bacon products across three U.S. states, impacting consumers who may have purchased these items. The recall, announced on March 13, 2024, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), addresses concerns over potential contamination with foreign materials, specifically pieces of metal. The affected products were produced by Indiana-based meat processor, Johnsonville Sausage, LLC.

The specific products subject to this recall include Johnsonville Smoked Sausage products. The FSIS identified the recall as Class I, indicating a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that eating the food will cause adverse health consequences. The recall encompasses approximately 12,171 pounds of ready-to-eat smoked sausage. The affected items bear the establishment number "EST. 34228" printed inside the USDA mark of inspection. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for these products and discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

According to the FSIS announcement, the issue was discovered when the company received consumer complaints regarding the presence of foreign materials in the sausage. Johnsonville Sausage, LLC then initiated a recall of the affected product. The production dates for the recalled bacon range from January 23, 2024, to February 20, 2024. The specific products involved are Johnsonville Smoked Sausage, 13 oz. packages, with "best by" dates of April 11, 2024, and April 18, 2024. The recall also includes Johnsonville Smoked Sausage, 20 oz. packages, with "best by" dates of April 11, 2024, and April 18, 2024. These products were distributed to retail locations in California, Maryland, and Virginia. The FSIS is also providing information to consumers on how to identify the recalled products, emphasizing the importance of checking the "best by" dates and the establishment number.

Johnsonville Sausage, LLC, founded in 1945, is a privately held American company known for its wide range of pork sausage products. The company operates multiple facilities across the United States. This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in food production regarding quality control and the prevention of foreign material contamination. The FSIS plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products by conducting inspections and overseeing recalls when necessary. The agency works closely with food manufacturers to address potential hazards and protect public health. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Johnsonville Consumer Relations at 1-888-556-2525 or visit their website. The FSIS also maintains a public database of recalled products, which can be accessed on its official website.