USDA Announces Recall on More Than 10,000 Pounds of Pork Products Across 4 States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced two separate recalls for pork products, both raw and ready-to-eat, sold in four states across the U.S. The first recall impacts Oklahoma shoppers who have purchased Ralph’s Circle R brand ready-to-eat bologna products. The second recall affects Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania retailers and restaurants that are selling Old World Italian Sausage.

Ralph’s Recalls More Than 3,000 Pounds of Bologna

In Oklahoma, Ralph’s Packing Company is recalling 3,132 pounds of its ready-to-eat pork and bologna products because the meat may contain milk, but a milk allergen is not listed on the packaging. The recalled meat is Ralph’s Circle R brand Garlic Bologna and Garlic Bologna with Jalapeños, which has been produced since September 2022 and FSIS is concerned they may still be in some people and establishment’s refrigerators or freezers.

To identify the recalled bologna, look for the establishment number EST. 51557 inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as the following lot codes:

• Ralph’s Circle R Brand Garlic Bologna: 0093, 0654, 0804, 1074, 1153, 1224, 1374, 1774, 1924, 2572, 2974, 3132, and 3483
• Ralph’s Circle R Brand Garlic Bologna with Jalapeños: 0804, 1074, 1224, 1233, 1354, 2184, and 3374

You can view label photos of the recalled bologna on the USDA’s site.

The recalled bologna was sold in 16-ounce or larger vacuum-sealed chubs to both retailers and food service locations. The USDA also says the recalled bologna might have been sliced and served at deli counters. 

There haven’t been any reports of allergic reactions or adverse effects caused by eating the bologna, but Ralph’s recalled the products out of an abundance of caution because the undeclared milk allergen can cause serious or life-threatening reactions in those with milk allergies or sensitivities. The USDA has also urged retailers, deli counters, and food service locations to stop selling the recalled meat. 

If you have a milk allergy or sensitivity, you should not consume the bologna. Instead, throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. 

If you don’t have a milk allergy or sensitivity, you don’t have to stop eating the bologna. The meat was recalled for a misbranding error and not because anything is inherently unsafe about the products. 

For questions about the recall, you can contact Ralph’s Packing Company at 405-547-2464 or jake@ralphspacking.com.

Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. Recalling More Than 7,000 Pounds of Raw Pork Sausage

The Baltimore-based company Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. is recalling 7,485 pounds of raw pork sausage products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. 

FSIS was notified of a company producing products on a suspended grant of inspection. FSIS performed an inspection at the retailer and after review, determined that the Old World Italian Sausage links and ropes produced by Impero Food & Meats Inc. were not inspected by FSIS and initiated the recall.

The Old World Sausage links and ropes were shipped in 10-pound cardboard boxes to retailers and food service locations in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. And, the USDA says, the sausage may have been sold in deli counters without labels or identification. 

Food service locations and retailers can determine if they have the recalled sausage by looking for the establishment number EST. 10827 on the cardboard box. The USDA is urging retailers and food service locations to stop selling the meat and instead throw it away. 

If you are a customer who has purchased “Old World Sausage” with an undisclosed brand from a deli counter between Oct. 2, 2024, and Dec. 19, 2024, you should not consume it. Instead, throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

There haven’t been any reports of illnesses or adverse reactions caused by eating the sausage, but if you have any health-related questions, you should contact your healthcare provider.

For questions regarding the recall, you can contact Impero Food & Meats directly at 443-695-5750 or jerry@imperofoods.com.