Govind Tekale
A New York meat processor has pulled nearly 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from store shelves after finding they contain potentially harmful levels of a common preservative.
Smith Packing, LLC of Utica, NY issued a Class I recall on April 29 for sausage and sliced meat products made between February 19 and April 24, 2025. The recall comes after customers reported problems with the taste and color of certain items.
The company found these products contain sodium nitrite above the legal limit set by food safety regulators. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers this a high-risk situation that could lead to “serious health consequences or death” if the affected products are eaten.
The recall affects products sold to both stores and institutions across New York state. All recalled items carry the establishment number “EST. 4578” or “P-4578” inside the USDA inspection mark.
Why Sodium Nitrite Matters
Sodium nitrite serves an important purpose in meat preservation. It prevents harmful bacteria growth, particularly Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. It also gives cured meats their characteristic pink color and contributes to flavor.
However, when levels exceed safety limits, sodium nitrite becomes dangerous. High amounts can form compounds called nitrosamines when the meat is cooked at high temperatures or digested in the stomach. Scientists classify these compounds as probable cancer-causing agents.
The strict limits on sodium nitrite in meat exist specifically to prevent these health risks.
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Consumer Action Needed
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) warns that recalled products may still be in refrigerators and freezers across New York. While no illnesses have been reported yet, the agency urges consumers to check their meat products immediately.
Anyone who has purchased meat products from Smith Packing, which operates as part of Palmer Food Services, should:
- Check for the establishment numbers “EST. 4578” or “P-4578”
- Throw away any recalled products or return them to the store
- Not consume these items under any circumstances
Joe Schaeffer, Director of Marketing at Palmer Foods, is handling questions about the recall. Consumers with concerns can also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
How the Problem Was Discovered
This recall highlights the importance of consumer vigilance. The investigation began after customers noticed something wrong with their purchases. They reported the meat had an unusual taste and color, prompting Smith Packing to test the products and notify federal authorities.
FSIS is now conducting effectiveness checks to ensure all recalled products are removed from store shelves and institutional kitchens. The agency will post retail distribution lists on its website when available.
This situation serves as a reminder of the critical safety mechanisms in place to protect public health, including regulatory limits on food additives, manufacturing oversight, and the recall system that quickly removes dangerous products from the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check your refrigerator or freezer for any ready-to-eat sausage or sliced meat products from Smith Packing. Look for the establishment numbers “EST. 4578” or “P-4578” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The recalled products were produced between February 19 and April 24, 2025, and were distributed to retail and institutional locations in New York state.
Sodium nitrite is a common preservative used in processed meats to prevent bacterial growth, particularly botulism-causing bacteria. It also gives cured meats their pink color and contributes to flavor. However, when present in amounts that exceed regulatory limits, it can form compounds called nitrosamines that are potentially harmful to human health. The USDA sets strict limits on sodium nitrite levels to protect consumers.
If you have recalled products, do not consume them. Either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. This applies to all Smith Packing products included in the recall, even if they look and smell normal. The high levels of sodium nitrite aren’t always obvious to consumers.
The USDA classified this as a Class I recall, which means there’s a high risk of serious health consequences or even death from consuming these products. Excess sodium nitrite can be harmful to human health. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is concerned enough about the potential risks to issue this recall. Anyone concerned about a possible illness should contact their healthcare provider.
The problem was identified after consumers complained to Smith Packing about products that had an off-taste and off-color. These complaints prompted the company to investigate and notify the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This shows how important consumer feedback can be in identifying potential food safety issues.
For more information, you can contact Joe Schaeffer, Director of Marketing at Palmer Foods (the parent company of Smith Packing) at [email protected]. Additionally, consumers with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email [email protected]. The USDA will also post retail distribution lists on their website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls when available.
