- Date Issued: February 12, 2025
- Announced by: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Company: The Pasty Oven, Inc.
- Product: Frozen, fully cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry pasties
- Issue: Misbranding and undeclared egg allergen
- Product Details: Chicken & Cheese and Pizza Pasty with Pepperoni
- Action: Consumers should not consume the product; dispose of or return it
Keep reading to learn what went wrong and what to do next!
What happened?
On February 12, 2025, the USDA’s FSIS issued a public health alert regarding The Pasty Oven’s frozen, fully cooked RTE meat and poultry pasties. The issue? An undeclared egg allergen in the egg wash used on these products was not listed on the label.
The affected pasties were produced on and before December 11, 2024, with a one-year shelf life.
Product details:
Brand | Product Name | Size | UPC | Best By Date |
The Pasty Oven | Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE | 8 oz | N/A | 12/11/2025 and prior |
The Pasty Oven | PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI | 8 oz | N/A | 12/11/2025 and prior |
The Pasty Oven | Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE | 15 lb | N/A | 12/11/2025 and prior |
The Pasty Oven | PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI | 15 lb | N/A | 12/11/2025 and prior |
These products bear establishment number “EST. 20650” inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, primarily through fundraisers for schools and non-profits. The products were not part of the National School Lunch Program.
What caused the issue?
The problem was discovered during a routine FSIS labeling review, which revealed that eggs—a major allergen—were not listed in the ingredients. Although no illnesses have been reported, consuming these products could trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals allergic to eggs.
What is an undeclared egg allergen?
An undeclared egg allergen occurs when a product contains eggs but does not list them on the label. Due to their potential to cause severe reactions, eggs are among the top eight major allergens regulated by the FDA.
Who’s at risk?
- Egg-allergic individuals: Risk of allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
- Children & Elderly: More vulnerable to allergic reactions due to weaker immune systems.
- People with Undiagnosed Allergies: Those who unknowingly consume the product could experience unexpected symptoms.
- What is the issue with these pasties?
They contain an undeclared egg allergen that could cause allergic reactions.
- How was this problem discovered?
It was identified during a routine FSIS labeling review.
- What symptoms can an egg allergy cause?
Symptoms may include hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis.
- Have there been any reported illnesses?
No illnesses have been reported so far.
- Where were these products sold?
They were distributed in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin through fundraisers and restaurants.
- How do I know if I have a recalled product?
Check the label for “EST. 20650” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- What should I do if I have one of these pasties?
Do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.
- Is this recall part of a larger trend?
Yes, mislabeling and allergen-related recalls have been increasing in recent weeks.
- What should food manufacturers do to prevent these issues?
They should implement stricter allergen control processes and enhance labeling accuracy.
- Where can I get updates on future recalls?
Check the FSIS recall page.
Here’s what you should do
- Check your freezer for the affected products.
- Look for the label bearing EST. 20650 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- If you have these products, do not consume them.
- Dispose of them safely or return them to the place of purchase.
- Questions? Contact The Pasty Oven:
- Gene Carollo (President): [email protected]
- Karen Secinaro (Manager): [email protected]
Behind the brand
The Pasty Oven, Inc., located in Florence, Wisconsin, is known for its traditional and specialty pasties. While this is their first reported issue with undeclared allergens, food recalls due to mislabeling and allergens have been a frequent occurrence in recent weeks. For example:
- La Fiesta recalled its breadcrumbs due to undeclared sesame.
- TS Food Packing recalled its bacon seasoning due to undeclared soy.
- D. Coluccio & Sons recalled their chocolate chip cookies due to undeclared almonds.
- Wismettac recalled various snack products due to undeclared milk.
“Food safety is built on trust, and accurate labeling is a fundamental part of that. Every product that reaches consumers should be transparent about its ingredients. When allergens go undeclared, it puts lives at risk. This recall serves as a reminder for all food manufacturers to uphold the highest standards, double-check their processes, and prioritize consumer well-being above all else.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights the importance of accurate labeling and transparency in food manufacturing. Companies must:
- Implement stricter allergen control processes.
- Conduct rigorous labeling checks.
- Stay compliant with FDA and USDA regulations.
Consumers should always check labels, especially if they have allergies. If in doubt, reach out to manufacturers for clarity.
At Source86, we prioritize quality, safety, and transparency in ingredient sourcing. Contact us today for more industry updates and high-quality, safe food ingredients!
