Hot Pocket Recall Makes the News After Uninspected Beef Ships Nationwide

Following the recall of 8.7 million pounds of beef from a California processing plant last week, Nestle announced today that it is recalling certain Hot Pockets, effective immediately.

On February 8, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, a branch of the USDA, issued a press release (since updated on February 14) regarding California’s Rancho Feeding Corporation. According to the statement, the company “processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection.” The agency added that the FSIS “now believes that recalled product was shipped to distribution centers and retail establishments nationwide.”

The FSIS now believes that recalled product was shipped to distribution centers and retail establishments nationwide.

No illnesses have been associated with the recalled beef, though consumers can contact the FSIS virtual representative, “Karen,” 24 hours a day by visiting AskKaren.gov. You can also phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854.) The service is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.

As for the Hot Pockets, Giant, a division of Nestle, announced that Hot Pocket Philly Steak & Cheese and Hot Pocket Croissant Crust Philly Steak & Cheese are being recalled. The company’s official recall makes it clear that this is a voluntary decision initiated by Giant itself. The affected products are, in full:

While the news has been widely reported in the media, both Giant and the USDA are quick to point out that this is all part of a “properly working recall process.” For now, that seems to be true, and there’s no sense that consumers should be particularly worried. Retailers have been informed and invited to issue their own recall statements, while it’s likely that, with the amount of beef affected, other companies may soon be issuing their own product recalls. As ever, keep your eyes open for these warnings, and if you have questions or concerns, get in touch with the proper authorities.