New Jersey – A major snack food recall has been issued after the discovery of potentially dangerous ‘foreign material’ in popular oyster crackers. Shearer’s Foods, LLC has voluntarily recalled approximately 15,874 cases of its oyster crackers due to the risk of stainless-steel wire contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Details of the Recall
The recall affects multiple brands and packaging of oyster crackers that have been distributed to stores across New Jersey and other states. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, which indicates that consumption of the contaminated product may cause temporary or medically reversible health issues, though the probability of serious injury is remote.
The affected products include:
- Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers
- UPC: 085239114933
- Sell-by Date: May 23, 2025
- Code Date: 23MAY2025BC06
- Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers
- UPC: 078742085494
- Sell-by Date: May 23, 2025
- Code Dates: MAY 23 2025 ABO6, MAY 23 2025 BBO6, MAY 23 2025 CBO6
- 20lb. Bulk Oyster Crackers
- UPC: 10045100400203
- Best-by Date: May 24, 2025
- Code Dates: MAY 24 2025 AB06, MAY 24 2025 BB06
The products were distributed to several U.S. states, including New Jersey, Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
FDA and Manufacturer’s Response
The FDA issued a statement urging consumers who have purchased any of the affected products to immediately stop consuming them and return them to the store for a full refund. The FDA also emphasized the importance of monitoring food safety and contamination risks, especially with mass-produced snack foods.
Shearer’s Foods, LLC has confirmed that the recall was initiated out of an abundance of caution after routine quality checks detected traces of stainless steel wire in some of the products. The company has not reported any consumer injuries or illnesses related to the contamination at this time.
Potential Health Risks
While the likelihood of serious health consequences is low, the presence of stainless steel wire in food poses significant health hazards, including:
- Choking hazards, particularly for children and elderly individuals
- Oral injuries, such as cuts or lacerations
- Digestive system damage if swallowed
The FDA has classified this recall under Class II, meaning that while the risk of severe injury is remote, affected products should still be removed from circulation immediately.
What Consumers Should Do?
Consumers who have purchased the affected oyster crackers are advised to take the following actions:
- Check Packaging Details: Refer to the product’s UPC, sell-by, or best-by dates to determine if it is included in the recall.
- Do Not Consume: If the product matches any of the recall details, do not eat it.
- Dispose or Return: Consumers can either safely discard the product or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
- Report Adverse Effects: If you or someone you know has experienced any health issues after consuming these crackers, report the incident to the FDA via their MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form.
- Contact Manufacturer: Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Shearer’s Foods, LLC directly through their customer service line.
Ongoing Concerns About Food Contamination
This recall is part of a growing number of food safety incidents reported in recent months. The FDA has been actively monitoring contamination cases, including recent recalls of granola bars and frozen taquitos due to metal contamination.
Food safety experts urge manufacturers to enhance their quality control measures to prevent such incidents. While modern food production is largely safe, occasional lapses in equipment maintenance and quality checks can lead to contamination.
Final Thoughts
The recall of Shearer’s Foods’ oyster crackers serves as an important reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about food safety and recall notices. Although the risk of serious harm is low, it is crucial to take necessary precautions by avoiding consumption and reporting any adverse effects.
For the most up-to-date information on food recalls and safety alerts, consumers can visit the FDA’s official recall page.
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