A New York meat processing company has recalled nearly 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat products after consumers reported “off-taste” and “off-color” issues, with tests revealing dangerous levels of sodium nitrite that could pose serious health risks.
At a Glance
- Smith Packing LLC recalled approximately 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat products due to excessive sodium nitrite levels
- The recall affects 16 products under four different brands: Smith Packing, As-Salaam, Beefland USA, and Honest John’s
- Products were produced between February 19 and April 24, 2025, and shipped to retail locations in New York
- About 90% of affected products reportedly never left the warehouse
- High sodium nitrite levels can disrupt oxygen delivery in the body, potentially causing serious health issues or death
Recall Triggered by Consumer Complaints
Smith Packing LLC has initiated a recall of nearly 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products after discovering sodium nitrite levels exceeding federal regulatory limits. The New York-based company took action following customer complaints about unusual taste and color in several products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on Tuesday, affecting items produced over a two-month period from February through April 2025.
The affected products include various types of sausages, franks, and sliced meats marketed under four different brand names: Smith Packing, As-Salaam, Beefland USA, and Honest John’s. All recalled items bear the establishment number “4578” or “P-4578” inside the USDA mark of inspection on their packaging. While no adverse reactions have been reported so far, officials remain concerned about potential health risks associated with consuming products containing excessive sodium nitrite.
Health Risks and Safety Measures
Sodium nitrite serves as a common preservative in processed meats, but excessive amounts can pose significant health dangers. According to health officials, high levels of this compound can interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen properly, potentially resulting in serious health complications or even death in severe cases. The FSIS is treating this as a Class I recall, indicating a situation where there is reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious health consequences.
Fortunately, approximately 90% of the recalled products reportedly never left the warehouse, significantly reducing potential public exposure. Nevertheless, authorities remain concerned that some items may already be in consumer refrigerators or freezers. The USDA strongly advises anyone who purchased the affected products not to consume them. Instead, these items should either be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
Company Response and Consumer Guidance
Smith Packing took immediate action upon discovering the issue, halting production and promptly alerting the USDA. The company’s parent organization, Palmer Food Services, has stated they are working diligently with their customers to recover and destroy any potentially affected products that may have reached the market. This swift response demonstrates the company’s commitment to consumer safety and regulatory compliance during this concerning situation.
“Palmer is working with those customers to recover and destroy any potentially affected product.”, said Joe Schaeffer
Consumers with questions about the recall can find a complete list of affected products on the USDA’s website. For food safety concerns, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline remains available to address consumer inquiries. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust food safety systems and the need for vigilance when it comes to processed food products. By checking their refrigerators and freezers against the recall list, consumers can take an active role in protecting their families from potential health risks.
