Thousands of pounds of jerky sticks sold at Costco, Trader Joe's, Target, and Whole Foods have been recalled due to the presence of metal fragments, posing potential safety risks to consumers.
According to the US Sun, Chomps initiated a massive recall of 30,000 pounds of beef and turkey jerky sticks after metal shards were discovered in some products.
The recall was first reported on March 20 when Chomps, known for its high-quality jerky products, addressed concerns regarding possible metal contamination in its Original Beef Sticks. The company subsequently expanded the recall to include Original Turkey Sticks after similar findings emerged in additional batches.
Idaho Smokehouse Partners, the manufacturing partner for Chomps, has been at the forefront of this recall campaign. Having identified the affected batches manufactured between January 16, 2025, and January 23, 2025, the company has been actively reaching out to retailers and consumers about the potential hazard.
To safeguard public health, Chomps expanded the recall to include beef and other varieties, such as some turkey and venison flavors. The company confirmed the broader recall after further examination revealed that the contamination extended beyond a single type of jerky stick.
Although these products primarily reached large retail distributors in California and Illinois, the size of the retailers suggests potential for wider distribution. The company advises consumers who purchased jerky sticks during this timeframe to check their pantries to ensure safety.
Chomps and their manufacturing partner have requested that customers check specific barcodes, lot codes, and expiration dates on the packaging. Detailed instructions and a list of affected UPC codes have been provided on their website to assist in this verification process.
Emphasizing their commitment to safety, Chomps issued a statement underscoring that their consumers' health and well-being are paramount. "Our consumers are, and always will be, our number one priority," the company said. They have urged anyone with purchased products falling within the recall dates to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Moreover, Chomps has set up a specific tool on their website allowing consumers to input their product's UPC code to see if it is part of the affected lots. This proactive step ensures concerned customers can quickly determine if their product is safe or requires action.
Furthermore, despite no reports of health issues related to the recalled products, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has continued to monitor the situation closely, reassuring the public of its vigilant oversight during this recall.
The company states that returning the products should be straightforward. "Consumers who have affected products should not consume them," the company advised. Additionally, consumers can return the recalled items to the place of purchase and receive a refund. Chomps encourages anyone concerned about possible health risks to consult with a healthcare provider.
Chomps and its partners are presenting the recall process not just as a response to a specific incident but as a reaffirmation of the company’s long-standing commitment to quality and consumer trust. Although the recall is voluntary and preemptive, Chomps and its partners have taken comprehensive steps to manage product safety.
In conclusion, even though no health reactions have surfaced, Chomps continues to handle the situation with the utmost caution. This recall reminds the public of the importance of stringent quality control in food production and highlights how companies must respond quickly when potential risks arise.
