Meat processor Marathon Enterprises Inc. has issued a recall of millions of pounds of hot dogs and sausages over concerns that these products may be contaminated with bone fragments.
Seven Million Pounds Of Hot Dogs And Sausages Recalled
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed on Saturday that more than 7 million pounds of Sabrett hot dogs and sausages were recalled following complaints from consumers who found small pieces of bones and cartilages in some of the products.
In one case, a consumer who ate one of the hot dogs produced by Marathon's meat-processing plant in New York was reported to have suffered minor oral injury.
Class I Recall
The USDA subjected the meat to a Class 1 recall, which means it considers the meat as a health hazard with reasonable probability to cause serious health events or death if consumed. The company, however, said that the recall was made as a precautionary measure and that it already made the necessary steps needed to address the problem.
"Staff immediately investigated and identified an issue that could have allowed this to occur, and an equipment installation issue was quickly addressed," Marathon said in a statement.
Products Affected By The Recall
The affected meat products were produced between March 17 and July 4 and came with a sell-by data that range from June 19 to October 6, 2017.
Affected products include 40-oz. package of Sabrett all natural skinless uncured beef frankfurters, 3-lb. package of Sabrett skinless beef frankfurters, 12-oz. package of Sabrett natural casing beef frankfurters, and 1-lb. 9-Oz. package of 48 pieces sabrett cocktail franks.
The full list of recalled products and other details can be viewed on the FSIS website.
Consumers Urged To Throw Away Purchased Products Affected By The Recall
Customers who have purchased the affected products are urged to throw them away. The USDA said that the franks were sold to retailers and institutions nationwide mostly under the Sabrett brand name. The hot dogs have long been sold in New York City area by street-corner pushcart vendors.
How To Get A Full Refund
Consumers can also contact Marathon should they want to get a full refund for their purchase.
Refunds may also be applied online. Consumers were advised to call the phone number 1-800-722-7388 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. for their questions related to the recalled processed meat products.
