E.A. Sween Recalls Deli Express BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches Over Potential Plastic Contamination

MINNETONKA, MN (October 28, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that E.A. Sween Company is recalling its Deli Express® BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches due to the potential presence of plastic particles in the product. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated out of an abundance of caution after the company discovered foreign material contamination that could pose a choking hazard to consumers.

E.A. Sween recall: quick summary

E.A. Sween Company, based in Minnesota, voluntarily recalled its Deli Express® BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches distributed nationwide, including in the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Guam. The recall, issued on October 25, 2025, was prompted by the possible presence of plastic fragments inside the sandwiches. While no injuries or illnesses have been reported, the company is advising consumers not to eat the affected products and to return them for a refund. Regulators emphasized that even small plastic pieces can cause choking or injury if ingested.

What happened?

The recall was announced on October 25, 2025, in coordination with the FDA, after E.A. Sween Company discovered that certain lots of its Deli Express® BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches could contain foreign plastic material. According to the FDA, the company initiated the recall after internal quality checks identified the issue during production.

The affected sandwiches, which weigh approximately 6.0 ounces, were sold under UPC 0-41433-13087-2 and bear a variety of lot codes found on the ingredient label near the barcode. Products were distributed through national retail and convenience channels between January 16 and October 23, 2025.

In its official notice, the FDA stated that “plastics can present a choking hazard if swallowed.”

The FDA posted the recall announcement on its official recall page.

Affected products

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall stems from potential contamination with plastic fragments that may have entered the production line. While the agency has not disclosed the precise source of contamination, it noted that even small plastic particles can cause choking, mouth injuries, or gastrointestinal harm if swallowed.

The FDA confirmed that no illnesses or injuries have been reported so far. However, officials warned that anyone who believes they may have consumed an affected sandwich should monitor for symptoms such as throat discomfort, coughing, or difficulty swallowing, and seek medical attention if needed.

Questions you might have

What should I do if I have already consumed this product?
If you have eaten a recalled sandwich and experience discomfort or symptoms like choking or throat irritation, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

How can I identify if I have the recalled product?
Check the ingredient label near the barcode for the lot codes listed above. If your product matches any of those codes, do not eat it; return it for a refund or call 1-800-328-8184 (option 2).

What are the risks of ingesting plastic fragments?
Plastic pieces can cause choking or internal injury if swallowed. While the company has not reported any incidents, it’s best to avoid consuming the product altogether.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the recalled sandwiches.
• Check the lot code printed on the ingredient label near the barcode.
• If the code matches one of those listed, return the product to the store for a refund.
• For additional questions, contact E.A. Sween Company at 1-800-328-8184 (option 2), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

Behind the brand

Founded in 1955, E.A. Sween Company is a Minnesota-based food manufacturer best known for its Deli Express® line of ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks. E.A. Sween has instructed retailers to remove affected products from store shelves and is working with the FDA to manage the recall.

Other relevant recalls

This incident follows a series of foreign material contamination recalls in the packaged sandwich category. Earlier this year, Kayem Foods, Fromm Family Foods, and GBC Food Services each recalled products for similar issues.

Update: Full Report on Massive Sandwich Recall (December 2025) As the investigation into the E.A. Sween Company recall continues, we have released a comprehensive review of the 63-ton event involving Deli Express BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. The contamination, stemming from plastic sauce containers used during production, affects inventory dating back to January 2025. For a complete list of specific production dates, establishment numbers, and consumer disposal instructions, please view our full coverage: E.A. Sween Recalls 63 Tons of Pork Sandwiches Over Plastic Pieces.

Food safety specialist Elise Granek, a microplastics researcher at Portland State University and co-author of a recent study, emphasized the widespread nature of plastic contamination in the food supply:

“As long as we’re using plastic as a major component in our daily lives and we’re using it in a widespread fashion, then we’re going to see them in our food, too.”

The study, reported by The Guardian, found microplastic contamination in 99% of seafood samples, highlighting how persistent plastics have become in the human food chain.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added:

“While this recall highlights a single issue, it also underscores a broader truth in the food industry: food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Ensuring safe eats

The E.A. Sween recall underscores the importance of maintaining strict quality control across all food manufacturing processes. Even minor contamination events can have significant safety implications and affect consumer trust.

For consumers, the takeaway is simple: always check lot codes and stay informed through reliable sources like the FDA’s official recall database.

At Source86, we help food brands strengthen their ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are ready to respond quickly. Contact us.

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