3.5 Tons of Uninspected Hot Dogs Recalled in Ohio and West Virginia: USDA

AW Farms, based in Argillite, Kentucky, is initiating a recall of approximately 3,500 pounds of hot dogs that were shipped to restaurants and hotels in Ohio and West Virginia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that the meat products were not subjected to federal inspection, raising concerns about their safety for consumption. The affected hot dogs, which were ready-to-eat, were produced on various dates, starting from around May 30, 2024, and have a shelf-life of 45 days.

The recall was prompted by the discovery that the hot dogs, totaling about 6,900 pounds, were manufactured without the necessary federal inspection. The products in question bear the establishment number "EST. 47635" inside the USDA mark of inspection. 

The issue came to light when a state public health partner notified the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) about the non-compliant products. Consequently, the federal agency has cautioned that these hot dogs could still be present in the refrigerators or freezers of the affected restaurants and hotels. 

Safety Concerns and Product Details

The recall pertains to several products, including 10-lb. boxes containing two 5-lb. vacuum-packed packages of "FRENCH CITY FOODS 6" 12-1 HOTDOGS and "PACKED ON" with various dates since approximately May 30, 2024. Additionally, 10-lb. boxes containing two 5-lb. vacuum-packed packages of frozen "PORK, BEEF, DEXTROSE, SALT, SUGAR MAPLE GEO BROWN ALL MEAT HOTDOGS" and "PACKED ON" with various dates since approximately May 30, 2024, are also among the recalled products. Furthermore, 10-lb. boxes containing two 5-lb. vacuum-packed packages of frozen "GEO BROWN ALL BEEF HOTDOGS" and "PACKED ON" with various dates since approximately May 30, 2024, are included in the recall.

The recall notice advises consumers to discard the affected products or return them to the place of purchase. The absence of federal inspection raises potential health and safety risks, underscoring the importance of stringent oversight and compliance with regulations to ensure the quality and integrity of food products. As the recall unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the critical role of regulatory measures in safeguarding public health and well-being.