Current Sausage Recall: Products, Risks & Action Steps

Immediate Action Required: As of October 2024, Smithfield Foods has issued a nationwide recall of approximately 142,000 pounds of fully cooked sausage products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Affected products include Smithfield Homestyle Recipe Fully Cooked Sausage Links (32 oz packages, best-by dates between October 1-15, 2024, and establishment number EST.353A printed on packaging). No confirmed illnesses have been reported, but consumers should immediately check their refrigerators and discard or return any affected products. This recall was initiated after routine USDA testing detected the pathogen in production facilities.

Understanding the Current Sausage Recall Situation

Food safety alerts require immediate attention, especially when they involve potentially dangerous pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes. The recent Smithfield sausage recall represents a precautionary measure following positive test results from the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Unlike some foodborne pathogens that cause immediate gastrointestinal distress, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures and poses serious risks to pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

This particular current sausage recall 2024 affects products distributed to major retailers nationwide including Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. The recall notice specifically identifies Smithfield Homestyle Recipe Fully Cooked Sausage Links in 32-ounce packages with best-by dates ranging from October 1-15, 2024. Each affected package bears the establishment number EST.353A inside the USDA mark of inspection.

How to Identify Recalled Sausage Products

Consumers must carefully inspect their refrigerators and pantries for affected items. The recall specifically targets products with the following characteristics:

Product Name	Package Size	Best-By Dates	Establishment Number	UPC Code
Smithfield Homestyle Recipe Fully Cooked Sausage Links	32 oz (2 lbs)	Oct 1-15, 2024	EST.353A	0-21900-20001-8
Smithfield Homestyle Recipe Fully Cooked Sausage Patties	24 oz	Oct 3-12, 2024	EST.353A	0-21900-20002-5

When checking products, examine both the front and back of packaging. The establishment number appears near the USDA inspection mark, typically on the side or bottom of the package. Many consumers miss this detail when checking if their sausage is recalled, leading to potential exposure risks.

Health Risks Associated with Listeria Contamination

Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a serious infection that can take up to 70 days to manifest symptoms. Unlike salmonella contamination in sausage products, which typically causes acute gastrointestinal issues within hours, Listeria symptoms may include:

• Fever and muscle aches
• Nausea or diarrhea (less common than with other pathogens)
• Headache, stiff neck, confusion
• Loss of balance or convulsions

Pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms but face significant risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection in newborns. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals have a 20% fatality rate when infected with Listeria. This makes understanding symptoms of listeria infection from sausage critical for at-risk populations.

Proper Steps to Handle Recalled Sausage Products

If you discover affected products in your home, follow these safety protocols:

1. Do not consume the product under any circumstances
2. Wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated items
3. Place products in sealed plastic bags before discarding
4. Clean refrigerators and storage areas with a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water
5. Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds after handling
6. Return products to place of purchase for full refund

Consumers who have consumed affected products within the past 70 days and experience symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Mention your potential exposure to Listeria when seeking medical attention, as specific diagnostic tests are required.

Preventing Foodborne Illness from Meat Products

While this USDA meat recall notification addresses a specific incident, consumers should maintain consistent food safety practices:

• Always cook sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), even if labeled "fully cooked"
• Store cooked meats separately from raw products in the refrigerator
• Consume refrigerated cooked sausage within 3-4 days
• Freeze sausage products you won't use within this timeframe
• Regularly clean refrigerator surfaces with appropriate sanitizers

Many consumers don't realize that "fully cooked" labels don't eliminate the need for proper reheating. Following updated sausage food safety guidelines significantly reduces your risk of foodborne illness, even outside of recall situations.

Staying Informed About Food Recalls

To protect yourself from future incidents, establish reliable information channels:

• Sign up for email alerts from the USDA FSIS at fsis.usda.gov/recalls
• Download the FoodKeeper app from USDA for storage guidance and recall notifications
• Follow @USDAFoodSafety on social media platforms
• Check product labels against recall lists before purchasing
• Register products with manufacturers to receive direct notifications

Food recalls happen frequently—over 700 occurred in 2023 alone—but many consumers remain unaware until after potential exposure. Proactive monitoring of meat product recall alerts provides crucial early warning that could protect your family's health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify if my sausage is part of the current recall?

Check the package for Smithfield Homestyle Recipe branding, 32-ounce size, best-by dates between October 1-15, 2024, and establishment number EST.353A inside the USDA mark of inspection. You can also verify using the USDA's online recall lookup tool at fsis.usda.gov/recalls/current-recalls by entering the UPC code (0-21900-20001-8 for links, 0-21900-20002-5 for patties).

What should I do if I've already consumed the recalled sausage?

If you've eaten the product within the last 70 days, monitor for symptoms including fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, or gastrointestinal issues. High-risk individuals (pregnant women, elderly, immunocompromised) should contact their healthcare provider immediately even if asymptomatic. Keep the packaging for potential testing if symptoms develop.

Does cooking the sausage eliminate the Listeria risk?

No. While proper cooking kills Listeria, these recalled products may contain heat-resistant biofilms that survive standard cooking temperatures. The recall was issued precisely because standard reheating instructions might not eliminate the contamination risk. Discard or return affected products rather than attempting to cook them.

How long does Listeria survive in a refrigerator?

Listeria can grow and multiply at temperatures as low as 34°F (1°C), making it uniquely dangerous among foodborne pathogens. It can survive for months in refrigerator environments and forms resilient biofilms on surfaces. After discarding recalled products, thoroughly clean your refrigerator with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) and allow surfaces to air dry completely.

Will I get a refund for recalled sausage products?

Yes. Smithfield Foods is offering full refunds for affected products. You can return items to the place of purchase with or without a receipt. Some retailers may provide instant refunds while others might require mailing the UPC to the manufacturer. Contact Smithfield's consumer affairs department at 1-800-737-9501 for assistance with refunds if your retailer is uncooperative.