The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for certain beef jerky products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. According to FSIS, the affected products may contain soy lecithin, an allergen that was not listed on the product label. A recall was not requested because these products are no longer available for purchase.
The beef jerky items in question have best by dates of February 17, 2027 or earlier. Products included in the alert are:
– 6-ounce plastic packages labeled “DRIED HAWAIIAN STYLE BEEF CRISPS, ORIGINAL SALT & PEPPER FLAVOR” with establishment number “EST. 2625” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
– 4-ounce plastic packages labeled “PUNAHELE JERKY COMPANY INC UNCLE K’S BEEF CRISPS.”
– 4-ounce plastic packages labeled “PUNAHELE JERKY COMPANY INC KILAUEA FIRE SPICY BEEF CRISPS.”
These products were distributed to retail stores in Hawaii and sold online nationwide.
FSIS discovered the issue during a routine label review. The agency stated, “There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a health care provider.”
FSIS expressed concern that some consumers may still have these products at home. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” FSIS advised.
For questions regarding the public health alert, media and consumers can contact Sabrina Vaughn, Food Safety and QA Compliance Officer, at 808-961-0877.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or use the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, which is available 24 hours a day.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture plays a role in supporting family-owned farms and protecting agricultural resources throughout the state. The department provides assistance through compliance measures and market support programs such as food safety oversight, pest prevention, weed management, pesticide regulation, and certifications for producers. Its services contribute to both local community resilience and broader economic stability as detailed on its official website.
