Thompson’s Recalls Meat Sauce Products Over Lack of Federal Inspection

• Date Issued: June 21, 2025
• Announced By: USDA’s FSIS on June 20, 2025
• Company: Thompson’s Spanish Sauce Manufacturing, LLC
• Products: Thompson’s B-K Spanish Sauce and B-K Spicey Coney Sauce
• Issue: Products were sold without federal inspection approval
• Details: 16-oz. jars, sold in Indiana and Illinois (including some farmers’ markets)
• Next Steps: Do not consume. Toss it or report it via the USDA complaint system

Stick around—we’re spilling the spicy details.

What Happened?

On June 21, 2025, the USDA’s FSIS dropped a public health alert after finding meat sauce products sold without the benefit of federal inspection. The sauces were traced back to Thompson’s Spanish Sauce Manufacturing, LLC, based in Marion, Indiana. The alert was triggered during a routine surveillance check at a retail store in Roann, Indiana.

Here’s what’s on the saucy blacklist:

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC (if available)	Best By Date	Issue
Thompson’s	B-K Spanish Sauce	16 oz	Not listed	Unknown	No USDA inspection
Thompson’s	B-K Spicey Coney Sauce	16 oz	Not listed	Unknown	No USDA inspection

The products lack a USDA mark of inspection, meaning they skipped the federally required safety checks. There’s no word yet on any reported illnesses, but FSIS is concerned some jars may still be hiding out in fridges, pantries, or freezers across Indiana and Illinois.

What Caused the Issue?

This recall isn’t about spoilage, allergens, or even mislabeling—it’s about something much bigger: products sold without the green light from federal inspectors. In this case, Thompson’s Spanish Sauce Manufacturing, LLC produced and distributed two meat-based sauces without a USDA grant of inspection, which is a serious breach of food safety protocol.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Why it matters: The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) oversees all meat and poultry production in the U.S. Any facility making meat products must have a federal grant of inspection—no exceptions.
  
• The issue: Thompson’s did not obtain this required approval. The products—B-K Spanish Sauce and B-K Spicey Coney Sauce—were thermally processed and sold anyway.
  
• Where they went: Retailers and distribution points across Illinois and Indiana, including local farmers’ markets, meaning direct consumer exposure.
  
• What symptoms to look for: If any contamination did occur (though not confirmed), symptoms may include:
  
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue or weakness

While no illnesses have been reported as of now, the uncertainty and lack of oversight mean consumers—especially pregnant individuals, children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems—should be especially cautious.

10 Common Customer Questions You May Have

1. Q: What exactly is a USDA grant of inspection?
   A: It’s a federal approval that allows a facility to legally produce and distribute meat and poultry products. Without it, selling those items is illegal and unsafe.
   
2. Q: Why is federal inspection so important?
   A: It ensures products are processed in clean facilities, handled properly, and free from contamination. It’s a safety checkpoint for consumers and the entire supply chain.
   
3. Q: How did Thompson’s get away with selling it uninspected?
   A: The company operated without the required federal inspection. FSIS caught the issue during a routine retail surveillance visit.
   
4. Q: Were the products dangerous?
   A: No specific contamination has been confirmed, but the risk exists because there were no safety controls verified.
   
5. Q: I already ate the sauce—should I be worried?
   A: If you feel fine, there’s likely no cause for alarm. But if you develop symptoms like fever or stomach issues, contact your healthcare provider.
   
6. Q: Is there a way to test the jar I bought?
   A: No. Once opened or purchased, testing isn’t available. It’s safer to dispose of the product.
   
7. Q: What do these products look like?
   A: They come in 16-oz. jars labeled “Thompson’s B-K Spanish Sauce” or “B-K Spicey Coney Sauce”, with no USDA inspection mark.
   
8. Q: How do I know if my product is part of the recall?
   A: Check for the brand name and lack of a USDA inspection seal. If in doubt, throw it out.
   
9. Q: Can I return the product to the store for a refund?
   A: Stores may or may not accept returns—check with your retailer directly or contact the company via the email listed below.
   
10. Q: Who should I report this to?
    A: Use the USDA online complaint system or call the Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.

Here’s What You Should Do

If you’ve got a jar of this meat sauce on hand, here’s your recall action plan:

• Do NOT eat it. No taste test is worth the risk.
• Check the label: Look for “Thompson’s B-K” and 16-oz. jars with no USDA mark.
• Dispose of it safely. Toss it out and clean your hands.
• Need help?
  
  • Email: [email protected]
  • USDA Hotline: 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)
  • Online complaint: USDA Consumer Complaint Portal

Behind the Brand

Thompson’s Spanish Sauce Manufacturing, LLC isn’t a household name—yet—but its meat sauces have found loyal fans in parts of Indiana and Illinois, especially via local markets. While this seems to be the brand’s first public recall, other brands have faced similar issues this year:

• On June 13, 2025, King Tallow LLC recalled 353 pounds of beef tallow products because the items had been produced, packaged, and labeled without the benefit of federal inspection.
• On June 3, 2025, Sulu Organics LLC issued a recall of 6,166 pounds of pork lard and beef tallow products due to lack of federal inspection.
• On May 17, 2025, Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp. recalled approximately 9,722 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken coxinhas. Why? They skipped a pretty important step—federal inspection.
• On May 16, 2025, Fijian Import & Export Co. Inc. recalled approximately 127 pounds of imported FOUR ‘N TWENTY Traveller Philly Cheesesteak Pastries because of failure to present the meat pies to the USDA’s FSIS for mandatory import reinspection.
• On April 30, 2025, Ferrarini USA, Inc. issued a recall of around 70 pounds of its imported, ready-to-eat sliced prosciutto. Why? Because the meat skipped a critical step in its U.S. debut—mandatory import reinspection by the USDA’s FSIS.

“Skipping federal inspection doesn’t just break the rules—it breaks consumer trust. Incidents like this are a stark reminder that food safety isn’t optional. It’s a fundamental responsibility that protects public health and keeps the entire supply chain running with confidence,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

It’s a tough reminder for private label manufacturers and local co-packers: no inspection = no go.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This incident is another warning bell for the food industry—particularly for co-manufacturers and private label brands. Skipping inspection steps might speed up production but puts everyone at risk—from wholesalers sourcing in bulk to shoppers picking up sauce at the local stand.

To avoid such spicy slipups:

• Implement strong food traceability systems
• Ensure all production is USDA/FDA compliant
• Stay alert with supplier due diligence

And remember: transparency builds trust. No mark, no sale.

If you’ve got questions about sourcing fully compliant, high-quality bulk ingredients, we’re here to help. Contact our team today or browse our full selection of wholesale ingredients at Source86!