Tejal Somvanshi
Idaho Smokehouse Partners has issued a recall for approximately 29,541 pounds of ready-to-eat beef stick products due to potential metal contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall after the company received two consumer complaints reporting metal fragments in the products.
What Products Are Affected
The recall specifically includes 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “CHOMPS ORIGINAL BEEF STICK MILD” with an expiration date of 02-10-2026 and lot code 25016 printed on the label. The products bear establishment number “6220A” ink-jetted on the package and were produced between January 13 and January 15, 2025.
These beef sticks were shipped to retail locations in California and Illinois, but all consumers are urged to check their pantries due to the product’s long shelf life.
Health Concerns and Safety Measures
While there have been no confirmed reports of injuries related to consumption of these products so far, metal fragments in food can cause serious health hazards. The FDA notes that “hard or sharp foreign objects in food may cause traumatic injury including laceration and perforation of tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach and intestine as well as damage to the teeth and gums.”
FSIS has classified this as a Class I recall, indicating there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause health problems. Consumers who have purchased these beef sticks should not eat them and instead discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
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Company Response
In a statement, Chomps emphasized their commitment to consumer safety: “Prioritizing the safety and trust of our customers is at the heart of everything we do. Out of an abundance of caution, Chomps made the decision to include additional product beyond what was required to ensure all potentially affected items were removed from the market.”
Idaho Smokehouse Partners has noted that the recall was initiated as a precautionary measure after receiving the consumer complaints. The company is cooperating with FSIS to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation.
What Happens Next
FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to verify that Idaho Smokehouse Partners has properly notified customers and taken steps to ensure the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Idaho Smokehouse Partners at 208-227-5282. For refunds, consumers can visit their retailer of purchase or contact the Chomps team via self-service chat or phone at 855-636-1150.
The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) is also available for consumers with food safety questions, or questions can be sent via email to [email protected].
Importance of Quality Control in Food Production
This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety standards during processing. Metal contamination can occur at various stages of production, from equipment malfunction to processing errors. Food manufacturers employ multiple quality control measures including metal detectors and X-ray machines to prevent such incidents, but occasional failures can still occur.
Regular inspection and maintenance of processing equipment is essential for preventing foreign matter contamination, as is proper training of staff to identify potential problems before products reach consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What beef stick products are being recalled? +
The recall includes 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “CHOMPS ORIGINAL BEEF STICK MILD” with an expiration date of 02-10-2026 and lot code 25016. The products bear establishment number “6220A” on the package and were produced between January 13 and January 15, 2025.
Why are these beef sticks being recalled? +
The beef sticks are being recalled due to potential metal contamination. Idaho Smokehouse Partners received two consumer complaints reporting metal fragments in the products, prompting the company to issue the recall as a precautionary measure.
What should I do if I purchased these beef sticks? +
If you purchased the affected beef sticks, do not consume them. Either discard the products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If you cannot visit your retailer, contact the Chomps team at 855-636-1150 for assistance.
Have there been any injuries reported from consuming these products? +
No confirmed reports of injuries or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products have been reported. However, metal fragments in food can cause serious health hazards, including dental damage and internal injuries.
Which states are affected by this recall? +
The recalled products were shipped to retail locations in California and Illinois. However, consumers in all states should check their pantries since these products may have been purchased online or transported across state lines.
How can I get more information about this recall? +
For more information, you can contact Idaho Smokehouse Partners at 208-227-5282 or email [email protected]. For general food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email [email protected].
