USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Misbranded and Allergenic Meat and Poultry Pasties
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry pasties due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The products were produced using an egg wash, which contains egg, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to eggs are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected products are no longer available for purchase.
The frozen, fully cooked RTE meat and poultry pasties were produced on and prior to December 11, 2024, and have a one-year shelf-life. The following products are subject to the public health alert:
- 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
- 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
- 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
- 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
The products bear establishment number “EST. 20650” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were sold at the establishment’s restaurant in Michigan and shipped to fundraiser groups, such as those for schools and non-profit organizations, in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. However, the product was not served at schools and is not part of the food provided by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program.
FSIS discovered the problem during routine labeling review activities when it found that the egg ingredient was not listed on the final product label. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Conclusion:
FSIS is taking this public health alert to ensure the safety of consumers, particularly those with egg allergies. It is essential for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming misbranded and allergenic products. Consumers are advised to check their freezers for these products and to discard them immediately. If you have any concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the problem with these products?
A: The products contain an egg wash, which is not declared on the product label, making them a potential health risk for consumers with egg allergies.
Q: What products are affected?
A: The following products are subject to the public health alert: 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE”, 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI”, 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE”, and 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI”.
Q: Are these products still available for purchase?
A: No, the affected products are no longer available for purchase.
Q: What should I do if I have purchased one of these products?
A: Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Q: Where can I get more information on this public health alert?
A: Consumers can contact Gene Carollo, Pasty Oven, Inc., President, at gc******@up*****.com and Karen Secinaro, Manager, at pa************@gm***.com. Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MP*******@us**.gov.
