If you're like many of us, a good sandwich or hearty breakfast just isn't complete without a few slices of your go-to deli meat.

But before you unwrap that package of sausage or bologna in your fridge, you’ll want to know about a major recall just announced.

Nearly 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are being pulled from shelves after disturbing consumer complaints about unusual taste and color.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

What triggered the recall?​

Smith Packing LLC, a New York-based meat processor, has voluntarily recalled 18,792 pounds of sausage, sliced meats, and poultry items.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed the recall after consumers reported that certain products seemed "off" in both flavor and appearance.


Investigators later found that the affected products contained sodium nitrite levels above legal safety thresholds.

While sodium nitrite is a common ingredient used to preserve meat, excess amounts can pose serious health risks.

Which products are affected?​

A total of 16 products across four brands have been recalled. If you have any of the following in your fridge or freezer, read carefully:

As-Salaam Meats:

• Beef Breakfast Smoked Sausage Links
• Halal Beef Frankfurter
• Beef Smoked Sausage Links
• Roasted Garlic Hot Chicken Sausage
• Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausage

Beefland USA:

• Beef Smoked Sausage

Honest John’s:

• Bratwurst
• Pork Breakfast Sausage Links
• Jumbo Hot Dogs
• Polish Kielbasa (two pouch variations)

Smith Packing:

• Beef Knockwurst
• Beef Franks
• Sliced Salami
• Sliced Bologna
• Sliced Beef Bologna

All products were made between February 19 and April 24, 2025, and shipped to retail locations in New York.

Look for the establishment number "4578" or "P-4578" inside the USDA inspection mark to identify recalled items.



Do not consume any of the items listed above, even if they smell and look fine.

According to the FSIS, these products could pose a health hazard due to excess sodium nitrite, which can be especially dangerous for older adults or people with certain medical conditions.

Here’s what you should do:

• Check your fridge and freezer immediately.
• If you find any of the affected products, throw them away or return them to the store for a full refund.
• If you’re unsure, don’t take the risk! Better to be safe than sorry.

Joe Schaeffer, spokesperson for Palmer Food Services (which operates Smith Packing), said the company halted production immediately upon learning of the issue.

An internal review revealed that an excessive amount of sodium nitrite was used during processing.

Thankfully, about 90% of the products never left the warehouse, and only 34 customers received potentially affected items.

Palmer is actively working to retrieve and dispose of those goods.


Read more:

• This might be in your fridge! Morning must-have faces recall of nearly 490,000 pounds
• Transform your breakfast game with this cooking trick that would make your food 10x better!

Have you purchased any of these recalled products recently? Have you ever experienced a food recall firsthand? Do you have strategies for protecting your household from foodborne risks? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. Your story could help others in the GrayVine community stay better informed.