Over 10,000 Pounds of Meat Products Recalled Across Four US States

December 21, 2024 TruthUSA

Some food allergens can lead to potentially life-threatening situations.

Two companies are recalling over 10,000 pounds of pork and beef products from U.S. stores due to concerns regarding milk allergens and insufficient regulatory inspections. The recall affects states including Delaware, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

Ralph’s Packing Company, based in Oklahoma, is recalling approximately 3,132 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and beef bologna for “misbranding and an undeclared allergen,” according to a recall notice issued on December 20 by the U.S. Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

On the same date, Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. from Maryland announced its recall, which involves approximately 7,485 pounds of raw pork sausage products.

Ralph’s Packing products were pulled from the shelves as they “may contain milk,” which was not disclosed on the product labels. The FDA recognizes milk as one of the nine major food allergens in the U.S.

“While most reactions to food allergies are mild and manifest as skin or digestive discomfort, some can escalate to a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis,” warns the agency.

Dangers during anaphylaxis can include constriction of airways, leading to suffocation, and a significant drop in blood pressure, causing the individual to enter shock.

The recalled items include “CIRCLE R BRAND GARLIC BOLOGNA” available in both jalapeno and non-jalapeno variants, sold in packages of 16 oz. or more.

“These items were distributed to retail and foodservice locations throughout Oklahoma. Some products may have been sliced and sold at deli counters in retail stores,” the notice indicates.

Currently, no confirmed cases of adverse reactions following the consumption of the recalled products have been reported.

The pork sausages from Impero Foods were recalled because they were produced without adequate FSIS inspection.

These products were packaged in 10 lb. white cardboard boxes containing a plastic bag labeled “Old World Italian Sausage,” with either “rope” or “link” marked on the box, according to the recall notice.

Manufactured from October 3 to December 19, “these items were distributed to restaurants and retail locations in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Some may have been sold at retail deli counters without proper labels.”

FSIS advises consumers who have purchased the recalled products to refrain from consuming them. Businesses should not serve or sell these products if they are in stock, according to the agency. The food should either be discarded or returned to the point of purchase.

Individuals who have consumed the recalled products and are concerned about potential reactions or illnesses are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional, according to the agency.

Recall Due to Milk Allergen

On Friday, grocery chain Lidl US announced a recall for undeclared milk allergens, withdrawing all lots of its “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” in 10.5 oz. boxes.

The affected items were sold at Lidl stores across Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia, with manufacturing dates ranging from October 21, 2023, to December 19, 2024.

An FDA inspection revealed that the product labels failed to mention milk as an ingredient, prompting the recall.

“Individuals with milk allergies face the risk of serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products,” the notice warned.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE,) an organization dedicated to food allergies, cow’s milk allergy is the “most prevalent food allergy among infants and young children.”

“When someone with a milk allergy comes into contact with milk, the proteins in the milk bind to specific IgE [Immunoglobulin E] antibodies produced by that individual’s immune system,” informs FARE.

“This binding triggers the immune response, resulting in symptoms that can range from mild to extremely severe.”

Besides milk, individuals with such allergies should also avoid a range of items, including butter, curd, yogurt, cream, ghee, custard, sour cream, lactose, pudding, and cheese.

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