THOUSANDS of pounds of meat sold at several popular retailers across the country were possibly contaminated, sparking a massive recall.

Hormel Foods Corporation is issuing a recall of over 256,000 pounds of canned beef stew due to the presence of wood fragments, as reported by federal health officials.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a recall notice on Wednesday concerning the “Dinty Moore Beef Stew” cans.

“The issue was identified after the establishment informed FSIS about receiving three consumer complaints of wood pieces found in the beef stew product,” stated the notice.

The recalled cans are printed with a best by date of “FEB 2028,” lot code “T02045,” and the establishment number “EST 199G.”

No confirmed injuries have been reported at this time but the department said anyone concerned about a possible injury should reach out to their healthcare provider.

For anyone who already bought the product, the department recommends throwing it out or returning it to where they bought it.

CHECK YOUR MEALS

Nestlé recalled some of their Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s frozen meals earlier this year due to possible wood-like material in the food.

“We are taking this action after consumers contacted Nestlé USA about this issue, including one potential choking incident to date,” the company said in a statement back in March.

Customers who bought the meals were warned not to prepare or eat the products and return them to the point of purchase for a replacement or full refund.

Nestlé believes the contamination is an “isolated issue, and we have taken actions to address it.” 

The company stated it was working with the US Food & Drug Administration and the USDA on the recall.

“The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our number one priority,” the statement read.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.”

TOY WARNING

Primark pulled a popular toy off the shelves earlier this month over fears of it being a possible choking hazard to children.

The dolls, a Stitch plush bag and Angel plush bag from the brand’s collaboration with Disney, were sold in stores across the Northeast, Florida, Maryland, and Illinois, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“There is a risk that the zip puller may become detached from the products, which can be a potential choking and/or ingestion hazard,” Primark said in a statement.

“This product was available at all US stores.”

Around 3,000 plushies, which cost $6 each, were sold at Primark stores between March 2024 and October 2024.

Consumers were told to keep the bags away from children and return them to Primark for a refund.

No injuries were reported at the time of writing, and the recall is believed to be a precaution.