Hickory Hollow Jerky, LLC, a Eufaula, Ala. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,800 pounds of flavored beef jerky products because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The products contain Worcestershire sauce, and fish (anchovy paste) is a subcomponent. Fish is a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The products subject to recall include:
• 3-oz. Original Recipe "HICKORY HOLLOW BEEF JERKY" bearing the establishment number "EST. 34550" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
• 3-oz. Sweet Heat BBQ "HICKORY HOLLOW BEEF JERKY" bearing the establishment number "EST. 34550" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
• 3-oz. Hot Shot "HICKORY HOLLOW BEEF JERKY" bearing the establishment number "EST. 34550"inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
The products were produced on various dates between Dec. 4, 2012 and June 4, 2013 and were sold nationwide. The product was sold at retail and over the Internet.
The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector who conducted a label review prompted by the April 30, 2013, release of FSIS Notice 29-13, which prompts FSIS inspectors to check labels for accuracy. FSIS took the step of issuing the notice in an effort to protect vulnerable consumers after observing an increase in the number of products recalled from 2008 through 2012 due to the presence of undeclared allergens or other ingredients. FSIS personnel are responsible for verifying that establishments are actively labeling the eight most common food allergens.
FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact Russ Robbins, a company consumer contact, at hhjerky@gmail.com.