This Thursday, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a high-risk warning concerning over 10,000 pounds (4,535 kilograms) of pork products in four states, stemming from two separate recalls.

Globally, millions of such products are discarded every year due to potential health risks. In Mexico, for example, the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) reports that the main reasons for such recalls include bacterial contamination by Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, undeclared allergens on product labels, and packaging defects that compromise product safety.

What is the Product?

Baltimore-based Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. is recalling approximately 7,000 pounds (3,175 kilograms) of raw pork sausage products produced “without the benefit of federal inspection,” the USDA announced Friday.

The FSIS received a tip that products were being processed at a facility with a suspended inspection license. Following surveillance, FSIS determined that Old World Italian sausages had not been inspected, prompting the recall.

The affected products were produced between October 3, 2024, and December 19, 2024, and bear the establishment number “EST. 10827.” The items were shipped in 10-pound cardboard boxes to restaurants and retail outlets in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or illnesses from consuming the products. However, the USDA advises anyone who purchased “Old World Sausage” with an undisclosed label between October 2, 2024, and December 19, 2024, to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase.

The FSIS classified this recall as Class I, described as “a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”

Oklahoma Recall: Labeling Error and Undeclared Allergen

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Ralph’s Packing Company is recalling approximately 6,900 pounds (3,132 kilograms) of ready-to-eat pork and beef mortadella products due to a labeling error and an undeclared allergen, the USDA announced Friday.

The FSIS was informed that the product labels failed to list milk as an ingredient.

The recalled meats include Ralph’s Circle R brand Garlic Bologna and Garlic Bologna with Jalapeños. These products have been produced since September 2022 and may still be frozen, raising concerns they could remain in personal or commercial freezers.

The affected products bear the establishment number “EST. 51557” within the USDA inspection seal.

In its Class I recall notice, FSIS warned that these products might have been sliced and sold at deli counters in retail stores.

No confirmed adverse reactions have been reported due to these products. Still, customers who purchased them are urged not to consume them and instead dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase.

Not the First Incident

This is not the first time such recalls have occurred. For instance, in 2023, several food recalls in the U.S. were linked to bacterial contamination:

Salmonella-Contaminated Melons: In November 2023, whole and cut melons were recalled after Salmonella was detected, causing illnesses in over 400 people in the U.S. and 190 in Canada.

In Mexico, Cofepris has issued similar food safety alerts. For example, in August 2023, a health alert was issued regarding “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream due to potential health risks.

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