Bacon lovers, be sure to check the packaging before you sprinkle your favorite savory topping on a salad or baked potato.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. issued a recall Friday for nearly 186,000 pounds of ready-to-eat bacon toppings that might contain metal pieces.
The recalled products, which were produced from Feb. 21-23 or March 3-5, bear establishment No. 27384, according to the news release. They include 5-pound packages of the following:
- Golden Crisp Patrick Cudahy Precooked Bacon Topping; SKU 43200 12002; lot codes 2054, 2062 and 2063;
- Smithfield Precooked Bacon Topping; SKU 43200 12003; lot codes 2063 and 2064;
- Golden Crisp Patrick Cudahy Fully Cooked Bacon Topping Applewood Smoked; SKU 43200 12296; lot codes 2053 and 2062;
- Smithfield Fully Cooked Bacon Topping; SKU 43200 12663; lot code 2064;
- Member’s Mark Fully Cooked Bacon Crumbles; SKU 78742240923; best by Nov. 18.
“These items were shipped to distributors and retail locations nationwide,” the release said. “Some of the bacon product may have been used to produce other products.”
The company said it learned of the problem when a customer reported finding metal in the bacon topping. Officials have not received any reports of injuries in connection with the recalled items, according to the FSIS.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them,” the release said. “Additionally, distributors and retailers are urged not to sell these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”
Anyone with questions about the recall should call Smithfield at 1-844-342-2596.