- Date Issued: December 20, 2024
- Announced By: USDA’s FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service)
- Company: Impero Foods & Meats, Inc.
- Product: Raw Italian pork sausage products
- Issue: Produced without federal inspection
- Details: 10-lb. boxes labeled “Old World Italian Sausage,” shipped to Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
- Action: Do not sell or consume. Dispose of or return to the place of purchase.
Stick around to find out more about this recall. Shall we learn more about what happened?
What happened?
Based in Baltimore, MD, Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. issued a recall of approximately 7,485 pounds of raw pork sausage products on December 20, 2024. This decision followed FSIS surveillance, which uncovered that these items had been produced without the required federal inspection. FSIS identified the problem during routine surveillance, prompted by concerns about production at a facility with a suspended inspection grant. No adverse reactions have been reported, but FSIS urges caution. Here are the details:
Brand | Product | Size | Establishment Number | Issue |
Impero Foods | Old World Italian Sausage (Rope) | 10-lb. box | EST. 10827 | Produced without federal inspection |
Impero Foods | Old World Italian Sausage (Link) | 10-lb. box | EST. 10827 | Produced without federal inspection |
Distribution details
- Distributed to: Restaurants and retail locations in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
- Sold: Some products may have been sold at deli counters without proper labeling
What caused the issue?
The recall stems from producing these products without federal inspection, a serious violation of food safety standards. Federal inspections play a critical role in verifying that food products meet stringent safety requirements, including ensuring proper handling, sanitation, and labeling. Without these checks, there’s a heightened risk of contamination or allergen exposure, posing potential dangers to consumers.
Uninspected products can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, or they may contain allergens that aren’t disclosed on the packaging. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, face increased health risks.
Health Risks
Affected Groups: General population, with heightened risks for pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms to Watch: Gastrointestinal distress, fever, nausea, or vomiting after consumption.
- What products are affected?
- Raw Italian pork sausage in 10-lb. boxes labeled “Old World Italian Sausage,” with variations labeled as “rope” or “link.”
- Why were these products recalled?
- They were produced without federal inspection, violating safety regulations.
- What are the health risks?
- Potential exposure to harmful bacteria or allergens, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or fever.
- How can I identify the recalled products?
- Look for the establishment number “EST. 10827” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- Where were these products distributed?
- Restaurants and retail locations in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
- What should I do if I have the product?
- Dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.
- Are there any confirmed illnesses?
- No illnesses have been reported at this time.
- Who can I contact for more information?
- Reach out to Jerry Vitale at Impero Foods (443-695-5750) or the USDA hotline at 888-MPHotline.
- What steps should businesses take to avoid this issue?
- Ensure compliance with FSIS regulations and maintain active inspection permits.
- How can I report a related food safety issue?
- Use the USDA’s online Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.
Here’s what you should do
- Check Labels: Look for the establishment number “EST. 10827” on the USDA mark of inspection.
- Dispose of Products: If identified, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
- Contact for Questions:
- Impero Foods & Meats, Inc.: Jerry Vitale at 443-695-5750 or [email protected]
- USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)
- Report Issues Online: FSIS Consumer Complaint Monitoring System
Behind the brand
Impero Foods & Meats, Inc., a small Baltimore-based company specializing in raw meat processing, recently faced a recall that underscores the importance of FSIS inspections. On December 3, 2024, FSIS issued a public health alert for Mortadella Especial Bologna, a frozen, ready-to-eat pork product illegally imported from Ecuador—a country ineligible to export meat products to the U.S. The product lacked the required USDA inspection mark, signifying it bypassed critical safety checks before reaching U.S. shelves. Without such oversight, consumers faced increased risks of contamination or exposure to undeclared allergens, highlighting the non-negotiable need for rigorous inspection protocols. This wasn’t the only sausage-related recall this month; Impossible Foods also recalled its Ground Sausage products due to metal contamination. Also Common Sense Soap recalled its Lady Beef May Tallow products due to lack of USDA inspection. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and the need for manufacturers to remain vigilant in upholding safety standards.
“Ensuring compliance with food safety standards isn’t just about adhering to regulations—it’s about protecting public health and upholding consumer trust. Recalls like this highlight how even minor lapses in inspection can lead to significant risks. As an industry, we are collectively responsible for maintaining rigorous standards across the supply chain. From sourcing to distribution, every step matters in delivering safe, high-quality food products that people can rely on.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall underscores the critical role of federal inspections in maintaining food safety standards. For retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, it’s a wake-up call to prioritize compliance and rigorous quality checks. Reliable suppliers, like Source86, ensure adherence to regulations, reducing the risk of recalls and protecting your business. Stay informed and take action to ensure food safety.
If you’re in the market for high-quality, inspected ingredients, contact us today at Source86 or explore our range of wholesale options!
