The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for beef jerky products because of misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products may contain soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
The ready-to-eat beef jerky items bear best by dates of Feb. 17, 2027, or prior. The following products subject to the public health alert are:
- 6-oz. plastic packages containing "DRIED HAWAIIAN STYLE BEEF CRISPS, ORIGINAL SALT & PEPPER FLAVOR", and bearing establishment number "EST. 2625" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 4-oz. plastic packages containing "PUNAHELE JERKY COMPANY INC UNCLE K'S BEEF CRISPS"
- 4-oz. plastic packages containing "PUNAHELE JERKY COMPANY INC KILAUEA FIRE SPICY BEEF CRISPS"
These items were distributed to retail stores in Hawaii and sold via online sales nationwide.
The problem was discovered during a routine FSIS label review.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a health care provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' pantries. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.
