Idaho Smokehouse Partners Recalls CHOMPS Beef Sticks Due to Metal Contamination

• Recall Date: March 20, 2025
• Announced by: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
• Company: Idaho Smokehouse Partners LLC
• Product: CHOMPS Original Beef Stick Mild
• Issue: Possible foreign matter contamination (metal fragments)
• Details: 1.15-oz vacuum-sealed packages, expiration date 02-10-2026, lot code 25016
• Distribution: Retail locations in California and Illinois
• Consumer Action: Check labels, discard or return the product

Stick around to learn more about this recall and how to keep your pantry safe!

What happened?

Idaho Smokehouse Partners, LLC, based in Shelley, Idaho, has issued a recall of approximately 29,541 pounds of their ready-to-eat CHOMPS Original Beef Stick Mild due to potential contamination with metal fragments. The product was distributed to retail locations in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. The recall was initiated after the company received two consumer complaints about metal being found in the product. While no injuries have been reported, FSIS is urging consumers to check their pantries and take appropriate action.

Affected product:

Brand	Product	EstablishmentNumber	Size	Lot Code	Best By Date	Issue
CHOMPS	Original Beef Stick Mild	6220A	1.15 oz	25016	02-10-2026	Metal contamination

What caused the issue?

Foreign material contamination, specifically metal fragments, can pose serious health risks if consumed. While no injuries have been confirmed, swallowing metal can cause cuts or punctures in the mouth and throat, damage to the digestive tract, internal bleeding, or even blockages that may require medical intervention. Small metal fragments can sometimes pass through the system without causing harm, but larger or jagged pieces pose a significant risk, especially to young children, elderly individuals, and those with preexisting digestive conditions. FSIS has flagged this as a high-priority safety concern and urges consumers to take immediate action.

Questions you might have

1. Why was the CHOMPS Original Beef Stick Mild recalled?
   The recall was issued due to potential contamination with metal fragments, which were reported in consumer complaints. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) flagged this as a serious safety concern.
   
2. Which specific product is affected?
   The recall applies to 1.15-oz CHOMPS Original Beef Stick Mild with the best by date of 02-10-2026 and lot code 25016. The product bears the establishment number “6220A” ink-jetted on the package.
   
3. Where was the recalled product sold?
   The affected beef sticks were distributed to retail locations in California and Illinois.
   
4. What should I do if I have this product?
   If you purchased this product, do not consume it. Instead, discard it safely or return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
   
5. Are there any known injuries or health issues linked to this recall?
   No confirmed injuries have been reported at this time. However, swallowing metal fragments can cause cuts, internal injuries, or digestive tract damage, so FSIS urges caution.
   
6. How did metal fragments end up in the product?
   Foreign material contamination can occur at different stages of manufacturing, often due to equipment malfunctions or processing errors. Companies use metal detectors, but sometimes fragments can still make it into the final product.
   
7. Who should I contact for more information?
   Consumers with questions can reach Idaho Smokehouse Partners at (208) 227-5282 or email [email protected]. You can also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854.
   
8. Can I report any health issues if I ate the recalled product?
   Yes, if you experience any health issues after consuming the product, seek medical attention immediately and report it to the FSIS online complaint system at foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov.
   
9. How can I avoid buying recalled products in the future?
   Stay informed by checking recall alerts from FSIS and USDA, and always inspect labels and lot codes before purchasing. Keeping an eye on food safety news can help prevent potential risks.
   
10. What is Idaho Smokehouse Partners doing to prevent this from happening again?
    While the company has not released a detailed statement, food manufacturers typically review and improve safety measures, including enhancing metal detection systems and revising quality control procedures, to prevent future contamination.

Here’s what you should do:

• Check your labels: Look for the lot code 25016 and best-by date of 02-10-2026.
• Dispose or return: If you have the affected product, do not consume it. Discard it safely or return it to the store for a refund.
• Contact the company: Consumers with questions can reach Idaho Smokehouse Partners at (208) 227-5282 or [email protected].
• Report concerns: If you have experienced any health issues related to this product, consult a healthcare provider and report it to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline (888-674-6854) or via the FSIS online complaint system.

Behind the brand

Idaho Smokehouse Partners, based in Shelley, ID, specializes in heat-treated, shelf-stable meat products. Foreign material contamination remains a persistent challenge in the food industry. Just last week, Great Lakes Cheese Co. recalled its Happy Farms Colby Jack Cheese due to potential metal contamination, while Shearer’s Foods issued a recall for its oyster crackers for the same reason. Additionally, Stiebs LLC recalled half a million açaí bowls due to plastic contamination. These incidents highlight the ongoing risks of food contamination, emphasizing the importance of vigilance for both consumers and industry professionals.

“Food safety is an absolute priority and recalls like this reinforce the need for rigorous quality control at every production stage. Consumers trust that the products they buy are safe, and that trust is earned through strict safety protocols, proactive monitoring, and swift action when issues arise. Contamination incidents highlight the importance of investing in advanced detection systems and maintaining transparency to protect public health. The food industry must remain vigilant, ensuring that safety measures evolve alongside production demands.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.

Ensuring safe eats

Food safety is a top priority in the industry and recalls like this highlight the importance of stringent quality control. Metal contamination can occur at various points in the manufacturing process, and companies need to implement better detection systems to prevent these risks.

If you’re in the food industry and looking for trusted wholesale and private-label ingredient suppliers who prioritize safety and quality, let’s talk! Contact Source86 to explore our range of high-quality, contaminant-free ingredients.