Hormel Recalls 256,185 pounds of canned beef stew

Date Issued: May 24, 2025
Announced By: USDA’s FSIS on May 28, 2025
Company: Hormel Foods Corporation (Tucker, GA)
Product Name: Dinty Moore BEEF STEW
Issue: Foreign matter contamination—specifically wood pieces
Product Details: 20-oz metal cans, “BEST BY FEB 2028,” lot code T02045
Immediate Action: Check your pantry, toss it, or return to place of purchase

Wanna know more about what happened? Stick around!

What Happened?

On May 24, 2025, Hormel Foods Corporation issued a massive recall of over 256,000 pounds of its beloved Dinty Moore BEEF STEW, after consumers reported an unexpected crunch—not from veggies, but wood chips. Yikes.

Here’s the breakdown:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC / Lot Code	Best By Date	Issue
Hormel Foods	Dinty Moore BEEF STEW	20 oz	T02045	FEB 2028	Wood contamination

The affected product was produced February 4, 2025, and distributed nationwide.
Complaints from three consumers alerted the company to the issue.
The Establishment Number “EST 199G” can be found on the side of the can.

While no injuries have been reported (thankfully), if you feel unwell or suffered a toothy encounter with a chunk of wood, contact a healthcare provider ASAP.

What Caused the Issue?

The recall was sparked by three consumer complaints about unexpected pieces of wood found inside cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew—yes, actual wood. Not the “wood-smoked” flavor kind, but the kind you’d expect in a lumberyard, not your lunch.

What Went Wrong?

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Tucker, GA, discovered that during production, foreign matter—specifically wood fragments—somehow made it into the stew. This is categorized as foreign matter contamination, a serious food safety violation under USDA regulations. These contaminations can occur due to:

Equipment malfunction (e.g., broken paddles or packaging splinters)
Packaging line debris
Ineffective quality checks or visual inspections

Why It’s a Problem

Foreign matter in food isn’t just unpleasant—it’s dangerous. Ingesting hard or sharp objects like wood can lead to:

Dental injuries (chips, cracks, or lost teeth)
Mouth and throat lacerations
Choking hazards
Internal injury if swallowed
Infections from splinters or perforations

Who’s at Risk?

Certain groups are more susceptible to injury from foreign materials in food, including:

Children and toddlers (who may not chew thoroughly)
Elderly individuals (often with dental vulnerabilities)
People with disabilities or swallowing disorders
Anyone distracted while eating—yes, your lunch multitasking habit counts

Symptoms to Watch For

If you’ve consumed the product, watch out for:

Sudden tooth pain or damage
Sore throat or feeling like something is “stuck”
Difficulty swallowing
Abdominal pain
Bleeding or mouth pain

If you experience any of the above, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

10 Customer Questions You Might Have

1. I already ate the stew—should I be worried?
If you feel fine, you’re likely in the clear. But if you feel any discomfort, especially in your mouth or stomach, see a doctor.

2. How do I know if I have the recalled can?
Check for the lot code “T02045” and “BEST BY FEB 2028” printed on the can. Also look for Est. 199G on the label.

3. Can I return the can if it’s opened?
Yes! Most retailers will honor returns on recalled products—even if opened. Just bring the label or receipt if possible.

4. Is it safe to just remove the wood and eat the rest?
Nope. Don’t eat it—the entire batch could be compromised. Better safe than sorry.

5. Was this stew distributed nationwide?
Yes, it was shipped to retailers all over the U.S.

6. Has this happened before with Hormel?
Hormel has had previous recalls for unrelated issues, including rubber and allergen concerns. See past recalls »

7. Can I report my can if I think it’s affected?
Absolutely. Use the USDA’s online reporting tool or call 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).

8. Are other Hormel products affected?
Not at this time—only Dinty Moore Beef Stew, 20 oz cans from this specific lot are under recall.

9. What’s being done to prevent this again?
Hormel is likely reviewing production lines, reinforcing equipment checks, and stepping up QA processes (although they haven’t officially disclosed that yet).

10. Can I still trust Hormel?
Recalls happen—even to major brands. What matters is how quickly they respond, and Hormel acted swiftly in this case.

Here’s What You Should Do

Here’s your food safety checklist:

Do not eat the stew. We repeat: no stew slurping.
Check the label for lot code T02045 and “BEST BY FEB 2028”
Return it to the store or toss it safely
Contact Hormel: 800-523-4635 or [email protected]
Report the issue via the USDA’s Consumer Complaint System

Behind the Brand

Hormel Foods Corporation, headquartered in Tucker, Georgia, is a well-known name in American pantries, famous for brands like Spam, Skippy, and yes—Dinty Moore.

While Hormel typically holds a strong record for safety, it’s worth noting that this isn’t their first recall rodeo. Recent related recalls:

On January 31, 2025, D.J.’s Boudain issued a recall of its Boudain Sausage Link Products because a customer found a piece of a pen inside.
On April 3, 2025, Valley Fine Foods Co. issued a voluntary Class II recall for its Chile Verde Egg Bites due to possible foreign material contamination.
On April 4, 2025, Johnsonville, LLC announced a voluntary recall of their Cheddar Bratwurst due to the risk of foreign matter contamination—specifically, hard plastic pieces that made their way into the sausage.
On February 12, 2025, Del Monte Foods, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of their Good & Gather Cut Green Beans due to potential contamination with a foreign object.
Foster Poultry Farms Recalls Chicken Corn Dogs and Ground Turkey on a Stick Due to Possible Wood Contamination
Hillshire Brands Company public health alert: corn dog and sausage on a stick products contaminated with extraneous material

“Foreign material in food—like wood in beef stew—is more than a compliance issue; it’s a serious safety risk. Even tiny fragments can cause harm, which is why manufacturers must stay sharp with regular checks and strong quality control.” says Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Foreign object recalls like this highlight the very real importance of robust food safety systems, especially for co-packers, private label brands, and bulk manufacturers. These incidents can disrupt supply chains, damage consumer trust, and lead to costly product losses.

To avoid landing in the recall spotlight:

Run frequent equipment inspections
Invest in traceability systems
Stay compliant with FDA and USDA recall protocols
Create an actionable recall communication plan

If you’ve got Dinty Moore stew on your shelf, check the label, then trash it or return it. Simple as that.

Need help sourcing safe, quality ingredients for your private label or co-manufacturing project? Our team at Source86 is here to help! We partner with suppliers who value transparency and safety as much as you do. Contact us today!