Unexpected Allergens Found in Popular Hot Dogs Prompt USDA Recall

"Recall" stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has recalled nearly 2,000 pounds of Dearborn Sausage hot dogs due to undeclared pork and soy allergens.

At a Glance

  • Dearborn Sausage Company recalls 1,944 pounds of ready-to-eat wiener products.
  • Recall due to misbranding and undeclared soy and pork allergens.
  • Affected products produced on August 7, 2024.
  • No confirmed reports of adverse reactions.
  • Consumers advised not to consume and to discard or return the products.

Labeling Issue Forces Major Recall

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has initiated a recall involving Dearborn Sausage hot dogs. The labeling error affects approximately 1,944 pounds of ready-to-eat wiener products. These products contain undeclared soy and pork, which may pose health risks to individuals with allergies to these ingredients. Consumers are urged to verify their products and avoid consumption.

The issue was traced back to mislabeling, where labels of “Brookside brand fully cooked natural casing beef wieners” were mixed up with labels of “Brookside brand natural casing fully cooked wieners.” This led to the presence of undeclared pork and soy in the product. These hot dogs, produced on August 7, 2024, are identifiable by the establishment number “EST. 10002.” Affected products have been shipped across Ohio.

Product Identification and Consumer Guidance

The recalled products include 2-lb. packages labeled “BROOKSIDE BRAND FULLY COOKED NATURAL CASING BEEF WIENERS” that actually contain undeclared pork under lot code A0122024 with a sell-by date of November 5, 2024. Similarly, the 2-lb. packages labeled “BROOKSIDE BRAND NATURAL CASING FULLY COOKED WIENERS” contain undeclared soy under lot code A0322024 and also have a sell-by date of November 5, 2024. Consumers should check for the establishment number “EST. 10002” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

“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.

As of now, there are no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to the consumption of these hot dogs. Still, the FSIS is proactive in conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure the safety of consumers. FSIS categorizes this as a Class I recall, which means it poses a high or medium risk of serious health consequences or death.

Urgent Consumer Actions Required

Consumers holding these products are strongly advised not to eat them. The USDA FSIS urges disposing of the items or returning them to the place of purchase. For further information or questions, consumers can contact Chase McQuiston, FSQA Manager, Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. at 313-842-2375, ext. 3052, or reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854). An online complaint system is also available at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/ to report any issues.

“This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death,” the USDA said.

The FSIS will post retail distribution lists on their website to help consumers identify where the recalled products were sold. This incident highlights the crucial importance of accurate food labeling and the vigilant role of regulatory bodies in safeguarding public health.

Consumers who experience any adverse reactions or have health-related concerns are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Hot Dog Recall as Customers Told Meat ‘Should Be Thrown Away’

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