Introduction
If you’re a fan of bacon, you may want to take note: Over 185,000 pounds of a popular bacon product is being pulled from grocery shelves due to a potential contamination. The product in question is a bacon product from Smithfield Foods, Inc., and it has been recalled due to the potential presence of extraneous materials. In this article, we’ll discuss the details of the recall, what you should do if you have the product, and what other bacon products you can enjoy instead.
Over 185,000 Pounds of This Popular Bacon Is Being Pulled From Grocery Shelves — Eat This Not That
If you’re a fan of bacon, you may want to check your pantry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that over 185,000 pounds of bacon is being recalled due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The bacon was produced by JBS USA Food Company and was sold in retail stores nationwide.
The recalled bacon was sold in 12-ounce packages of Oscar Mayer Classic Uncured Wieners with a “Best When Used By” date of June 16, 2021. The bacon was also sold in 16-ounce packages of Oscar Mayer Classic Uncured Thick Cut Bacon with a “Best When Used By” date of June 14, 2021.
The FSIS is urging consumers to not eat the recalled bacon and to either throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased. The agency also recommends that consumers sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled bacon.
If you have purchased the recalled bacon, you should look for signs of illness such as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you’re looking for a bacon alternative, there are plenty of options available. You can try turkey bacon, vegan bacon, or tempeh bacon. All of these options are delicious and much healthier than traditional bacon.
No matter what type of bacon you choose, make sure to check the labels and follow the cooking instructions carefully. This will help ensure that you and your family stay safe and healthy.
Some of the biggest bacon brands at each grocery store include Oscar Meyer, Hormel, Hatfield, Smithfield, and more. They’re responsible for much of the supply that has fluctuated in price and quantity for the last few years, and unfortunately, one company is facing another setback. Over 185,000 pounds of its ready-to-eat bacon topping pieces are part of a new recall because they could be dangerous to eat.
In a recall notice published by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on May 20, Smithfield details the issue surrounding five of its 5-pound packs of Golden Crips, Smithfield, and Member’s Mark precooked bacon topping. The products “may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal,” it says.
Although they were shipped to retailers—including Sam’s Club—across the country but may not be for sale anymore, FSIS says it “expects there to be additional products containing the bacon” and that consumers should check frequently for more details as they arise.
The 5-pound boxes were produced between Feb. 21 and 23, and March 3 and 5 and have an establishment number of EST. 27384.
FSIS says the issue was discovered after a customer complained to the company that they found metal in one of the bacon products, however, no injuries or illnesses have been reported.
In addition to the expectation that more items will be recalled, FSIS is concerned that some of the products may be in consumers’ kitchens. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them,” the notice says. “These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”
Smithfield made headlines earlier this month after an investigation found that it, along with Tyson, Cargill, and other meat companies, lied about shortages that could happen in order to keep manufacturing plants open during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report says the unsafe conditions led to over 250 employee deaths, as well as large company profits.
And unfortunately, this isn’t the only meat sold at a store under the Walmart name that could be dangerous. If You Bought This Meat at Walmart, Throw It Out Now.
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Amanda McDonald