If you recently picked up packaged meat or sausage from your local store in New York, you may want to take a closer look at the label. A large recall is now underway, and it involves thousands of pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
On April 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shared that Smith Packing Company, based in Utica, New York, has recalled close to 19,000 pounds of meat due to high sodium content. Let us break it down for you.
What meat products were recalled?
You might be wondering exactly which products are part of this recall. According to FSIS, 18,792 pounds of meat and poultry are affected. These include boxed and pouched items under various brand names.
Here is a list of the recalled products:
- As-Salaam Beef Breakfast Sausage
- As-Salaam Beef Frank 8/1 Halal
- Smith Packing Beef Knockwurst
- As-Salaam Beef Smoked Sausage 5/1
- Honest John Bratwurst 5/1
- Honest John Breakfast Sausage/Brown and Serve
- Smith Packing Export Bologna
- Smith Packing Export Salami
- Honest John HJ Jumbo Franks 8/1
- Honest John Polish Sausage
- As-Salaam Hot Roasted Chicken Sausage Garlic 5/1
- As-Salaam Roasted Chicken Sausage Grilled 5/1
- Smith Packing NYS Beef Bologna
- Beefland USA Regular Beef Sausage 5/1
- Honest John Retail HJ Polish
All affected items were produced between February 19 and April 25 of this year and carry the establishment number P-4578 or EST. 4578 inside the USDA inspection mark.
Why were these products recalled?
The main reason for the recall is sodium levels that go beyond the allowed regulatory limit. That simply means the salt content in these meats is higher than what is considered safe or acceptable by food safety standards.
Smith Packing Company received reports that some of the products were “off taste and off color,” and they immediately alerted FSIS. So far, there are no confirmed cases of illness related to the recalled items.
Still, too much sodium can be harmful, especially if you have health conditions like high blood pressure or kidney issues. That is why this recall is being taken seriously.
Where were the recalled items sold?
If you live in New York, this is especially for you. The recalled meat products were shipped to retailers and institutions within New York State. So if you recently bought any ready-to-eat sausages, franks, or similar meat products, it is worth double-checking your fridge or freezer.
What should you do if you have one of the recalled items?
If you spot one of the listed products in your kitchen, here is what FSIS says you should do:
- Do not eat it
- Either throw it away or return it to the store where you bought it
- If you have questions or health concerns, contact a healthcare provider
Even if the product looks and smells fine, it is better to be safe than sorry. The high sodium level may not be obvious to you, but it can still pose a risk.
How do you identify the recalled packages?
To figure out if your product is affected, check for:
- The brand name (like As-Salaam, Honest John, Smith Packing, or Beefland USA)
- The establishment number P-4578 or EST. 4578
- The production date between February 19 and April 25
If your package checks all those boxes, it is part of the recall.
Is it dangerous to eat meat with too much sodium?
You may be wondering if this is really a big deal. The short answer is yes, it can be.
Too much sodium can:
- Raise your blood pressure
- Increase your risk of heart disease
- Lead to kidney problems
- Cause fluid retention
Even though no one has reported getting sick yet, eating products with excessive sodium can lead to serious health problems over time—especially if you are already at risk.
