Bone splinter find sparks 3,000 tonne recall of ‘beloved’ hot dogs
Selling its “beloved” hot dogs under the brand name Sabrett, Marathon Enterprises said it had recalled 3,264 tonnes – or 7,196,084lb - of produce out of “an abundance of caution”.
The fourth-generation, family-owned business has recalled hot dogs and some sausages manufactured at one of its plants on various dates between 17 March and 4 July 2017.
The problem was discovered after the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) received calls from consumers complaining they had found bone splinters and cartilage in their meat.
Deep ‘regrets’
Marathon Enterprises said it had fixed an equipment issue that may have caused the problem.
One minor oral injury from eating Sabrett’s hot dogs has been reported so far.
“Sabrett takes its responsibility to provide safe foods very seriously with a robust internal food safety program,” the business said in a statement.
“Sabrett has a 90-year history of assuring the safety and quality of its beloved hot dogs, and deeply regrets any concern or inconvenience this has caused its many loyal customers. Sabrett is committed to swiftly and thoroughly executing this recall.”
The beef and pork hot dogs and sausage have been shipped to retail and institutional outlets nationwide, FSIS said. Consumers can identify if they have bought the products by checking the establishment number inside the USDA mark of inspection. Products subject to the recall bear the number ‘EST.8854’.
FSIS urged consumers not to eat these products. Instead, the products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Marathon Enterprises said it would offer a full refund to anyone who had bought the meat.
