Urgent Recall for Popular Jerky Kits: Unexpected Allergen Warning

Recall stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

A Pennsylvania spice company’s packaging blunder leads to a critical FDA recall, placing consumers with food allergies at risk.

At a Glance

Con Yeager Spice Company recalls Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits due to undeclared soy and wheat allergens.
FDA classifies the recall as Class I, indicating potential for serious health consequences or death.
Affected products distributed in 10 states through wholesale, retail, and mail order.
No illnesses reported, but consumers with allergies urged to check products and seek replacements.
Production suspended while company investigates and corrects the issue.

Critical Recall Issued for Mislabeled Spice Kits

Con Yeager Spice Company, a Pennsylvania-based producer, has initiated a voluntary recall of their Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits after an alarming discovery of undeclared allergens. The recall was triggered when a customer found Hickory Jerky Kits mistakenly packaged inside Trail Bologna Meat Processing kit pouches, introducing potentially life-threatening allergens to unsuspecting consumers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this recall as Class I, the highest risk level. This classification indicates a significant likelihood of serious adverse health consequences or even death from consuming the mislabeled product. The recall affects products distributed nationwide through wholesale, retail, and mail order channels in 10 states.

Allergen Risks and Product Identification

The mislabeled kits contain undeclared wheat and soy, posing severe health risks to individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Consumers with soy and wheat allergies are at risk of severe allergic reactions if they consume the product unknowingly. The FDA has emphasized the critical nature of this recall, stating there is a “reasonable probability” that the use of the product will “cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy and wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if this product is consumed.” – FDA

The affected products are packaged in 17.88-ounce pouches with UPC code 797442404137, lot # B241851006, and a Best by Date of 2-08-27. Consumers and distributors are urged to check their inventory for these specific identifiers to ensure they do not have the recalled items in their possession.

Company Response and Consumer Actions

Con Yeager Spice Company has taken immediate action by suspending production while they investigate and correct the problem. This swift response demonstrates the company’s commitment to consumer safety and maintaining trust in the food supply chain. No illnesses have been reported related to this issue as of the recall announcement.

Consumers who have purchased the affected Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits are advised to contact Con Yeager Spice Company for return and replacement instructions. The company has set up a dedicated customer service line at 724-202-6513, available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:15 PM EDT, to address concerns and facilitate the recall process.

Broader Implications for Food Safety

This recall highlights the critical importance of accurate allergen labeling in food products and the need for stringent quality control measures in food production and distribution. The FDA mandates that nine major allergens must be declared on food packaging to protect consumers with food sensitivities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when these regulations are not met, even unintentionally.

The recall also raises consumer awareness about the importance of checking product labels, especially for those with known food allergies. It underscores the ongoing challenges in food safety and the vigilance required by both producers and consumers to prevent potentially life-threatening situations.

As the investigation continues, this recall serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety practices and the potential consequences of packaging errors in the food industry. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food recalls and to take prompt action when notified of potential risks to their health and safety.