Sodium nitrite levels are above regulatory standards
of ConsumerAffairsMay 1, 2025
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Nearly 19,000 pounds of meat and poultry products recalled for excessive sodium nitrite levels
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Affected items were shipped to New York retail and institutional locations
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No illnesses reported, but consumers urged not to eat the recalled products
Smith Packing has issued a recall for approximately 18,792 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry products due to sodium nitrite levels that exceed federal regulatory limits, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The recall involves various meat and poultry products produced between February 19 and April 24, 2025. These items, marked with establishment numbers EST. 4578 or P-4578 inside the USDA inspection stamp, were distributed to retail and institutional locations across New York State.
Consumer complaints prompt investigation
The issue came to light after Smith Packing notified FSIS about consumer complaints citing unusual taste and color in the affected products. Testing later revealed sodium nitrite concentrations above acceptable safety thresholds, which can pose health risks, especially to sensitive individuals such as young children and those with certain medical conditions.
To date, no confirmed adverse health effects have been reported. However, FSIS urges anyone with health concerns after consuming these products to seek medical advice promptly.
What to do
Officials are concerned that some of the recalled items may still be stored in consumer or institutional refrigerators and freezers. Consumers and organizations that have purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them. Instead, the items should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase for proper disposal.
FSIS said it continues to monitor the effectiveness of the recall process, ensuring that affected products are swiftly removed from the marketplace. Further information, including retail distribution lists and product labels, will be posted to the FSIS website as it becomes available.
Consumers with general food safety concerns can reach out to the USDAs Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov. Issues related to meat, poultry, or egg products can also be reported through the USDA’s online complaint system, available 24/7 at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
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