Shearer’s Foods recalls oyster crackers due to metal contamination

• Recall Date: February 21, 2025
• Company: Shearer’s Foods, LLC
• Product: Various Oyster Crackers
• Issue: Stainless steel wire contamination
• Health Risk: Class II (low probability of serious health consequences, potential for temporary effects)
• Distributed States: 24 U.S. states including Alabama, California, and Texas
• Action Needed: Return affected products or dispose of them

Stick around to find out more about what happened!

What happened?

On February 21, 2025, Shearer’s Foods voluntarily initiated a recall of over 15,000 cases of oyster crackers due to potential contamination with stainless steel wire fragments. The contamination was discovered during routine checks at the company’s manufacturing facility. The risk is classified as a Class II recall, indicating that while there is a low chance of severe health consequences, it may cause temporary discomfort. The affected crackers were sold across 24 states, including major retailers like Walmart and Target.

Recalled products

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Market Pantry	Soup & Oyster Crackers	9 oz (255g)	085239114933	May 23, 2025	Stainless steel wire fragments
Great Value	Soup & Oyster Crackers	9 oz (255g)	078742085494	May 23, 2025	Stainless steel wire fragments
Giant Eagle	Oyster Crackers	9 oz (255g)	030034915087	May 24, 2025	Stainless steel wire fragments
VISTA	Soup & Oyster Crackers	12 oz (340g)	045100008006	May 24, 2025	Stainless steel wire fragments
Bulk (20 lbs)	Oyster Crackers	20 lbs	10045100400203	May 24, 2025	Stainless steel wire fragments

These products were sold in 24 U.S. states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Texas, and more. They were available for purchase at major retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Giant Eagle.

What caused the issue?

The recall of Shearer’s Foods oyster crackers was initiated due to contamination with stainless steel wire fragments during the manufacturing process. This type of contamination, although not caused by bacteria or mislabeling, presents a risk due to the presence of foreign materials in the product.

Health risks

• Class II Recall: The contamination poses a low health risk, which means there is a low probability of serious health consequences, but it may cause temporary discomfort.
• Potential Effects: The primary concern is that consuming the contaminated crackers may lead to temporary discomfort, such as internal injury from sharp metal fragments, especially if consumed without proper inspection.

Customers at risk

• General Consumers: Anyone consuming the affected product could be at risk, especially if the wire fragments are ingested.
• Vulnerable Groups: Children, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems may be more sensitive to ingesting foreign materials, which could lead to more significant discomfort or potential injury.

Symptoms

If someone consumes a contaminated product, they might experience:

• Mouth irritation or injury: If sharp fragments are swallowed, they can cause cuts or discomfort in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort: Ingesting metal fragments could cause pain or discomfort in the stomach or intestines.
• Vomiting or nausea: In some cases, if the body tries to expel the foreign object, nausea and vomiting could occur.

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of serious injuries or victims linked to this recall. The contamination poses a low risk, and there have been no reports of major health issues, but consumers are still urged to dispose of or return the affected products as a precaution.

10 common questions you may have

1. Q: How can I tell if my oyster crackers are affected by the recall?
   A: Check the UPC code, Best By Date, and product name in the table above.
   
2. Q: What should I do if I have an affected product?
   A: Do not consume the product. You can return it to the store for a full refund or dispose of it if return is not possible.
   
3. Q: Is it safe to eat the crackers if they don’t appear to have any metal fragments?
   A: The contamination is not always visible, so it’s best to follow the recall instructions and return or dispose of the product.
   
4. Q: How do I return the affected product for a refund?
   A: Take the affected product back to the store where you purchased it, along with your receipt, to receive a full refund.
   
5. Q: Can I contact Shearer’s Foods for more information?
   A: Yes, Shearer’s Foods has provided contact details for inquiries.
   
6. Q: What caused the contamination in the oyster crackers?
   A: The contamination occurred due to the presence of stainless steel wire fragments during the manufacturing process.
   
7. Q: Are there any health risks if I eat the affected crackers?
   A: The health risk is considered low, but consuming the affected crackers could cause temporary discomfort such as mouth or abdominal pain.
   
8. Q: Should I throw away my product if it is affected?
   A: Yes, if you have an affected product, you should dispose of it safely or return it to the store for a full refund.
   
9. Q: Are there any other recalls related to this type of contamination?
   A: Yes, other products in the snack food industry have had recalls due to foreign material contamination.
   
10. Q: How will Shearer’s Foods prevent this from happening again?
    A: Shearer’s Foods is working closely with the FDA to improve its safety protocols and manufacturing processes to prevent similar contamination in the future.

Here’s what you should do

• Check your pantry: Compare UPC codes, Best By Dates, and product details with the table above.
• Do not consume: If you have any affected products, do not eat them.
• Return or dispose: Return the products to the retailer for a full refund or dispose of them if return is not possible.
• Contact Shearer’s Foods: For additional support or inquiries about the recall.

Behind the brand

Shearer’s Foods, LLC is a leading snack food manufacturer based in Massillon, Ohio. The company is known for its crackers, chips, and baked goods. Although Shearer’s has had recalls in the past, the company remains committed to ensuring consumer safety. The company initiated this current recall after discovering stainless steel wire fragments in some of their products during regular quality control checks.

Previous similar recalls:

• On January 11, 2025, Bestway Sandwiches Inc. issued a recall for 24,870 pounds of its frozen Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos due to metal contamination in the product.
• On December 9, 2024, Riverside Natural Foods Inc., the maker of MadeGood granola bars, issued a voluntary recall after discovering metal fragments in some granola bars during routine quality checks.

“Effective recall management begins long before the issue arises. Establishing robust tracking systems and maintaining solid relationships with suppliers are key to handling recalls swiftly and efficiently.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

Manufacturers must implement rigorous safety checks and regularly audit their facilities to prevent contamination risks. Clear communication with retailers and consumers is essential to minimize the impact of a recall. Swift actions like those taken by Shearer’s Foods can help mitigate potential health risks and maintain consumer trust.

Stay safe, and remember to follow recall instructions carefully. If you’re a manufacturer looking for premium ingredients with the highest safety standards, contact us today for expert support and guidance on sourcing top-quality ingredients.

For more information about food safety or to get assistance with recalls, talk to our team today. Stay informed, stay safe, and ensure your products are safe for consumers!