Impossible Foods Recalls Ground Sausage Products Due to Metal Contamination

• Date Issued: Recall initiated on November 15, 2024, ongoing per FDA.
• Company: Impossible Foods Inc., Redwood City, CA.
• Products:
  • Impossible Savory Ground Sausage Meat
  • Impossible Spicy Ground Sausage Meat
• Issue: Possible contamination with pieces of metal.
• Details:
  • Distributed nationwide.
  • Specific sizes, UPCs, and use-by dates are provided below.

Stick around to learn how this recall impacts consumers and the industry—plus what you need to do next!

What happened?

Impossible Foods Inc. recalls two of its popular ground sausage products due to concerns over metal contamination. Here are the key details:

Affected Products:

• Quantity:
  • Savory: 46,413 cases
  • Spicy: 32,536 cases
• Distribution: Nationwide.

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Use-By Dates	Issue
Impossible Foods	Savory Ground Sausage Meat	14 0z	816697021088	7/3/25 – 1/25/26	Metal contamination
Impossible Foods	Spicy Ground Sausage Meat	14 0z	816697021095	6/28/25- 1/28/26	Metal contamination

What caused the issue?

The recall was triggered by reports of pieces of metal found in the products during production. Metal contamination often occurs when machinery malfunctions during processing, potentially allowing fragments to enter the food supply. This highlights the importance of routine equipment maintenance and thorough inspections in manufacturing environments.

Potential Health Risks:

• Groups at higher risk include children, older adults, and individuals with existing health conditions.
• Symptoms:
  • Internal injuries or choking.
  • Severe discomfort or complications requiring medical attention.

No injuries have been confirmed, but the company is urging caution.

1. How can metal end up in food products?
   • Metal fragments can enter food during production due to machinery breakdowns or wear and tear on equipment.
2. What should I do if I think I consumed a contaminated product?
   • Monitor for symptoms like discomfort, pain, or difficulty swallowing. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if issues arise.
3. Is it safe to eat other Impossible Foods products?
   • Yes, only the specific recalled items are affected. Other products remain safe for consumption.
4. How can I check if my product is part of the recall?
   • Look for the UPCs and use-by dates provided in the recall notice.
5. Can I return the product for a refund?
   • Yes, most retailers will offer a refund or replacement for recalled items.
6. What are the symptoms of metal ingestion?
   • Symptoms may include pain, choking, or internal injuries requiring medical attention.
7. Has this happened with Impossible Foods before?
   • This is a rare occurrence. Impossible Foods has stringent quality controls in place to prevent such issues.
8. How does this affect the plant-based food industry?
   • It serves as a reminder of the importance of robust safety protocols in food manufacturing.
9. What steps are Impossible Foods taking to prevent future contamination?
   • The company is likely to enhance equipment inspections and update safety measures to avoid future incidents.
10. Where can I find more information about this recall?
    • Visit the FDA’s website or Impossible Foods’ official page for the latest updates.

Here’s what you should do:

To ensure your safety, follow these steps:

• Check Your Labels: Look for the UPCs and use-by dates on the product packaging.
• Stop Using the Product: Do not consume the recalled items.
• Dispose of or Return Products: Safely discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
• Contact the Company: For more information, reach out to Impossible Foods’ customer service team via their website or hotline.

Behind the brand

Impossible Foods has established itself as a leader in the plant-based food market, celebrated for its innovative products that align with global sustainability goals. However, even industry pioneers are not immune to challenges. Earlier this year, on April 14, 2024, the company faced another significant recall involving its popular Impossible Chicken Nuggets, Beyond Burgers, and additional items. The recall was triggered by reports of small pieces of wood found in these products, raising concerns over manufacturing safety protocols. Impossible foods isn’t the only brand that has these types of issues, Bestway Sandwiches also recalled their Frozen Chicken & Cheese Taquitos for metal contamination. These types of incidents serve as a reminder that rigorous quality controls are essential, even for companies committed to high standards in the food industry.

“Events like this emphasize the essential role of meticulous quality control throughout the food production process. Contaminants, whether physical or biological, are not just regulatory concerns—they pose real risks to consumer health and brand integrity. Ensuring safety requires more than compliance; it demands a proactive, end-to-end approach that includes stringent equipment maintenance, detailed supplier oversight, and transparent communication with consumers. In the fast-paced food industry, vigilance isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. A single lapse can ripple through the supply chain, impacting trust and safety on a large scale.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO. 

Ensuring safe eats

This recall underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and supplier accountability in the food industry. Contaminants like metal fragments can not only harm consumers but also shake trust in brands.Let’s work together to ensure safe, high-quality ingredients for everyone.

Need reliable ingredients or guidance on industry best practices? Contact our team at Source86 today or explore our extensive range of wholesale options!