Beef Recalled Over Misbranded Allergen Labels

Walmart and other retailers have recalled almost 15,000 pounds of beef sticks due to misbranding and failure to list allergens on the product label. The beef sticks contain milk, an allergen that was not declared on the label.

On Saturday, the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Abbyland Foods Inc. recalled 14,976 pounds of beef sticks.

The meat was produced between Nov. 15 and Nov. 17, 2021, and packaged in two-pound clear plastic bags labeled “Iowa Smokehouse Original Smoked Beef Sticks.”

The company learned about the labeling issue after the FSIS received complaints from consumers about cheese in the beef.

Although there haven’t been reports of harmful reactions after consuming the product, the FSIS is worried consumers may still have the products in their refrigerators or pantries.

The agency advised those who are in possession of the misbranded beef sticks not to consume the product. Instead, consumers should return the product to the place of purchase, or throw away the meat.

The Mayo Clinic reported people who have milk allergies could experience wheezing, tingling feelings around the lips or mouth, hives, shortness of breath, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, among other symptoms.

Consumers who are concerned about illness or injuries related to the recalled product should contact their health providers.

The latest beef recall comes days after ground beef products were pulled from several stores, including Walmart, Krogers, WinCo Foods, and Albertsons, due to E. coli contamination.

Interstate Meat Dist. Inc., of Clackamas, Oregon, pulled over 28,000 pounds of ground beef in the food recall.