FDA recalls 100 tons of beef nationwide after finding WOOD that could choke customers to death

By SADIE WHITELOCKS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 15:50 BST, 30 May 2025 | Updated: 15:51 BST, 30 May 2025

More than 100 tons of beef is the subject of an urgent nationwide recall after fragments of wood were detected in the meat. 

Hormel Foods, which is based out of Minnesota and the maker of a variety of well-known brands including Spam and Old Smokehouse, is pulling cans of its Dinty Moore beef stew. 

The FDA warns that ‘hard or sharp foreign objects in food may cause traumatic injury including laceration and perforation of tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach and intestine as well as damage to the teeth and gums.’

To date, three consumers have filed complaints with the food giant, triggering the decision to recall the compromised product.

The recall applies to cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew with Best by Feb 2028 and lot code T02045 printed on the label. 

The lot code may have an additional number at the end. The tins also bear establishment number ‘EST 199G’.

These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

More than 100 tons of beef is the subject of an urgent nationwide recall after fragments of wood were detected in the meat (stock image)

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The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) warns the product should not be consumed. 

It adds that any one who has tins of the stew should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. 

While small pieces of foreign materials can pass through the gastrointestinal tract without any complications, large or irregular-shaped fragments can lead to a number of problems. 

These complications can include choking, throat lacerations, ulceration, holes in the digestive tract or even death.

It is unclear how big the fragments of wood are in the Dinty Moore Beef Stew. 

Wood can contaminate food products through various means. 

In some cases, the use of wooden pallets during transportation and storage can lead to contamination, as can the use of wooden tools or equipment in food processing. 

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consuming the product.

Meanwhile, Hormel Foods highlights that no other products among its brands are affected. 

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) warns the product should not be consumed

Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider. 

Commenting on the matter, a spokesperson for Hormel Foods told DailyMail.com: ‘As a Fortune 500, global branded food company, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards for our products. 

‘Out of an abundance of caution, Hormel Foods is voluntarily recalling 17,080 cases of a single code date of 20oz Dinty Moore Beef Stew as it may contain extraneous wood material. 

‘No other Dinty Moore products are affected, and no illnesses or injuries have been reported in association with this recall.’ 

Consumers can contact Hormel Foods about the recall at 800-523-4635.

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FDA recalls 100 tons of beef nationwide after finding WOOD that could choke customers to death

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