- Date Issued: January 13, 2025
- Announced by: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Company: UP Products, LLC (DBA Meyer Wholesale)
- Products Recalled: Ready-to-eat Polish sausage and raw potato sausage
- Issue: Misbranding and undeclared allergen (soy)
- Details: Approximately 400 pounds of sausage recalled; distributed in Michigan and Wisconsin
- Action Needed: Check labels, avoid consumption, and return products to the place of purchase
Continue reading to explore the potential implications of this recall on consumers and the broader food industry.
What happened?
On January 13, 2025, UP Products, LLC, doing business as Meyer Wholesale, issued a recall for approximately 400 pounds of their ready-to-eat Polish sausage and raw potato sausage products. The recall resulted from FSIS’s routine in-plant verification activities. Inspectors discovered that soy, a known allergen, was used as an ingredient but not declared on the product labels. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported, but FSIS remains vigilant in its recall effectiveness checks.
Products affected:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC/Code | Best By Date | Labels | Issue |
Otto Meyer’s Premium Sausage | Polish Sausage | 5” x 8” vacuum-sealed packs | Lot codes: 24304, 24318, 24326, 24346 | Various (10/30/24 to 1/7/25) | EST. M1733 | Undeclared soy allergen |
Otto Meyer’s Premium Sausage | Potato Sausage | Bulk-packed 12” x 24” clear bags | Handwritten dates: 1/6/25, 1/7/25 | Various | EST. M1733 | Undeclared soy allergen |
What caused the issue?
The mislabeling involves soy, a common allergen that can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms of soy allergies include:
- Hives, itching, or swelling
- Breathing difficulties
- Digestive distress (nausea, vomiting)
Mislabeling soy has far-reaching consequences, particularly for individuals with soy allergies. The health risks can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Accurate labeling is critical for protecting consumers and ensuring public trust.
Affected groups include:
- Individuals with soy allergies: Risk of severe allergic reactions
- Children: A population commonly affected by food allergies
- Caregivers and healthcare providers: Increased vigilance is required when managing allergic individuals’ diets
- Retailers and restaurants: Potential liability and operational disruptions when recalls occur
While no adverse reactions have been reported, this recall highlights the importance of adhering to strict labeling regulations to prevent health risks and maintain consumer confidence.
What products are included in this recall?
- Ready-to-eat Polish sausage and raw potato sausage from Otto Meyer’s Premium Sausage.
Why is the recall happening?
- Due to misbranding and an undeclared soy allergen.
How do I identify the recalled products?
- Look for the establishment number “EST. M1733” inside the USDA mark and check lot codes or handwritten dates on the packaging.
What should I do if I have the product?
- Do not consume it. Dispose of it safely or return it to the place of purchase.
What are the symptoms of a soy allergy?
- Symptoms include hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, nausea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Are there any reports of illnesses?
- No confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been noted.
Who is most at risk from soy exposure?
- Individuals with soy allergies, particularly children and those prone to severe allergic reactions.
Where were the products distributed?
- To retail and restaurant locations in Michigan and Wisconsin.
How can I contact the company for more information?
- Call UP Products’ Main Office at 906-813-1300.
What steps are being taken to prevent future mislabeling?
- FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks and promoting stringent allergen-labeling practices.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check Your Labels: Look for the establishment number “EST. M1733” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- Dispose Safely: Do not consume these products; either throw them away or return them to the store.
- Contact for Support: Reach out to UP Products’ Main Office at 906-813-1300 with questions.
For more safety information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
Behind the brand
Based in Ewen, Michigan, UP Products, LLC, operating under the name Meyer Wholesale is renowned for its diverse sausage offerings, which have become staples in restaurants and retail outlets across Michigan and Wisconsin. While this is the first recall reported for the brand, allergen mislabeling remains a prevalent issue within the food industry. For example, My Mochi recently recalled its Peach Mango Sorbet due to an undeclared egg, and Dierbergs faced a recall of their Home-Style Mashed Potatoes due to undeclared wheat. Just as Mutual Trading Co. that recalled their Monkfish Liver due to undeclared milk. These incidents highlight the critical need for rigorous allergen labeling practices to ensure consumer safety and trust.
“Accurate allergen labeling isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a matter of public safety. For individuals with food allergies, even minor oversights can lead to severe health risks. The industry must adopt stringent quality controls and maintain transparency to protect consumers and reinforce trust in their brands.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
Recalls like this underscore the importance of accurate labeling and proactive quality control in the food industry. Whether you’re a supplier, retailer, or restaurant, ensuring compliance with allergen declarations is vital to consumer safety and brand reputation.
- Industry Impact: Allergens are a leading cause of food recalls, which can disrupt supply chains and erode consumer trust.
- What Businesses Should Do: Work closely with suppliers to maintain rigorous standards in labeling and sourcing.
If you’re looking for high-quality ingredients and reliable supplier partnerships, Source86 is here to help. Contact our team for solutions that keep your products safe and compliant!
