Smith Packing, LLC, a New York-based meat processor, has recalled nearly 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage, poultry, and deli meat products due to sodium nitrite concentrations that exceed federal safety limits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Monday.
The recall covers 18,792 pounds of meat products manufactured between February 19 and April 25 and distributed to retail and institutional customers throughout New York. No adverse medical reactions have been confirmed as of the recall notice, though FSIS warned that excess sodium nitrite can cause dizziness, nausea, and more serious symptoms in sensitive individuals.
The issue surfaced after Smith Packing alerted regulators to consumer complaints about items having an off taste and color. FSIS said the products bear establishment numbers "EST. 4578" or "P-4578" inside the USDA inspection mark and warned that some affected items may still be in consumers' or institutions' refrigerators or freezers.
Products under recall include:
- As-Salaam Beef Breakfast Sausage (40 lb boxes)
- Smith Packing Export Bologna and Salami (12 lb boxes)
- As-Salaam Beef Frank 8/1 Halal (1 lb pouches)
- Smith Packing Beef Knockwurst (5 lb pouches)
- Honest John Bratwurst, Jumbo Franks, and Polish Sausages (1 to 1.5 lb pouches)
- Beefland USA Regular Beef Sausage 5/1
- As-Salaam Roasted Chicken Sausages (Garlic varieties, 1 lb pouches)
A full list of the recalled products, along with corresponding use-by dates ranging from February 2026 to April 2026, was published by the agency. Some products were marketed under multiple labels including Smith Packing, Honest John, As-Salaam, and Beefland USA.
FSIS has launched recall effectiveness checks to verify that Smith Packing's customers have been properly notified and that the recalled products have been pulled from the market.
Sodium nitrite is a preservative commonly used in cured meats to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor and color. However, excessive consumption can be harmful, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with certain health conditions.
Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products are urged not to eat them and should discard them or return them to the point of purchase. FSIS recommends contacting a healthcare provider if symptoms of sodium nitrite exposure occur after consumption.
The recall is classified as a Class II, indicating a remote probability of adverse health consequences.
