USDA Recalls 6,900 Pounds of Uninspected Hot Dogs, Affecting Ohio and West Virginia Businesses

Recently, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been compelled to issue a mass recall of approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dogs due to a critical oversight in the federal inspection process. 

The affected hot dogs, which were distributed by Kentucky-based meat house AW Farms, made their way to various restaurants and hotels in Ohio and West Virginia. The recall specifically targets establishments that received the products on or after May 30. The USDA has emphasized that these hot dogs typically have a shelf life of 45 days, heightening concerns about their potential presence in food service providers' storage facilities. 

Regulatory Violation

AW Farms notified a public health partner in Kentucky regarding the absence of federal inspection for the hot dogs. Subsequently, the state partner promptly reported the issue to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the agency tasked with overseeing the inspection of all commercially sold meats. This breach of regulatory protocol is in direct violation of the requirements stipulated in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).

Identification of Recalled Products

Consumers can identify the recalled products by locating the establishment number "EST. 47635," which is situated inside the USDA mark of inspection. The specific products subject to the recall are as follows:

• 10-pound boxes containing two 5-pound vacuum-sealed packages of hot dogs labeled "French City Foods"
• Two 5-pound packages of "Pork, beef, dextrose, salt, sugar maple GEO Broan all meat hot dogs"
• Two 5-pound packages of "GEO Brown all beef hot dogs"

Potential Presence in Commercial Facilities

The FSIS has raised concerns about the possibility of the recalled products still being housed in the refrigeration units or freezers of the affected restaurants and hotels. As a precautionary measure, the organization strongly advises these businesses to refrain from serving the recalled products, and to either dispose of them or arrange for their return. 

Health and Safety Advisory

While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of the affected hot dogs, the USDA urges individuals who are apprehensive about having consumed the recalled products to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

The USDA's swift response to the discovered lack of federal inspection underscores the prioritization of food safety and regulatory compliance. By promptly disseminating the recall information, the USDA aims to mitigate the potential risks to consumer health and safety, exemplifying its commitment to upholding stringent quality standards within the food industry.