Hormel Foods recalls 228,614lb of canned pork and chicken products

US-based Hormel Foods has recalled 228,614lb of canned pork and chicken products due to concerns that they may have been contaminated with pieces of metal.

The issue was first identified when the company received four consumer complaints stating that metal objects had been found inside the canned products.

Hormel Foods subsequently notified the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on 25 May.

The canned pork and chicken products were produced at one of the company’s facilities between 8-10 February before being shipped across the US and to Guam.

Hormel Foods specified that products shipped to Costco Wholesale, Sam’s Club or BJ’s Wholesale Club stores are not included in this recall.

The products affected by the recall bear the establishment number ‘EST. 199N’ on the underside of the can.

There have been reports of minor oral injuries associated with consumption of the products, though FSIS has received no additional accounts of injury or illness.

However, the agency is concerned that some products may already be in consumers’ home refrigerators and freezers.

It has urged any customers concerned about an injury or illness to contact a healthcare provider.

Additionally, consumers have been urged not to eat the products, instead being advised to dispose of them or return them to their place of purchase.

The recall has been categorised as Class I, which indicates that the use of the product could cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

The company previously recalled certain jars of its Skippy peanut butter due to the possible presence of metal shavings in October 2015.

Hormel Foods is a global branded food company based in Austin, Minnesota, which generates more than $9bn in annual revenues.

Its brand portfolio includes SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin’s, Columbus, Wholly Guacamole and Hormel Black Label.