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Smith Packing LLC recalls nearly 19,000 pounds of sausage and meat products after dangerous sodium nitrite levels were discovered, posing potentially fatal health risks to consumers, while new legislation restricts sales of the deadly preservative.
Key Takeaways
- Smith Packing LLC of Utica, NY, is recalling 18,792 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products due to sodium nitrite levels exceeding regulatory limits
- The Class I “High” recall affects products produced between February 19 and April 24, 2025, that bear establishment numbers “EST. 4578” or “P-4578”
- Excessive sodium nitrite can cause serious health issues, including dizziness, nausea, reduced oxygen transport in blood, and potentially death
- Washington state has implemented “Tyler’s Law,” named after a 15-year-old suicide victim, restricting sales of concentrated sodium nitrite
- Consumers are advised to discard or return affected products and contact healthcare providers if concerned about consumption
Major Recall Triggered by Consumer Complaints in 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a significant recall of meat products from Smith Packing LLC of Utica, NY. The company is pulling 18,792 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat, and poultry products from the market after discovering dangerously high levels of sodium nitrite. This recall was initiated following multiple consumer complaints about products having unusual taste and appearance, prompting the company to notify federal regulators of the potential hazard.
“Smith Packing, LLC, of Utica, NY, is recalling 18,792 pounds of various ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry products because of sodium nitrite levels exceeding the regulatory limit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS),” said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
The affected products were manufactured between February 19, 2025, and April 24, 2025, and were distributed to both institutional and retail locations throughout New York State. Consumers can identify recalled items by looking for establishment numbers “EST. 4578” or “P-4578” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The FSIS has classified this as a Class I “High” recall, indicating there is a reasonable probability that consuming these products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Smith Packing, LLC Recalls Sausage and Sliced Meat and Poultry Products Due to Sodium Nitrite Levels in Excess of Regulatory Limit #FSIS #FDA #Recall #Smithproduts https://t.co/2X4OxjVW7r
— Consumer Watch (@Consumer__Watch) April 30, 2025
Health Risks Associated with Excessive Sodium Nitrite
While sodium nitrite is commonly used as a preservative in processed meats and is generally recognized as safe by the FDA when properly used, excessive amounts can pose significant health risks. The potential symptoms from consuming products with high sodium nitrite levels include nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and abdominal pain. More seriously, it can reduce oxygen transport in the blood, potentially leading to respiratory distress. In extreme cases of high exposure, sodium nitrite poisoning can be fatal.
“The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it had received consumer complaints of products that were off-taste and off-color,” said the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
Federal officials are actively conducting recall effectiveness checks to verify that all contaminated products are successfully removed from the market. As of the announcement date, no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products have been reported. However, consumers who have purchased these items are strongly advised not to consume them and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about potential health effects should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
New Legislation Restricts Access to Concentrated Sodium Nitrite
This recall comes as states begin taking action against unregulated access to concentrated sodium nitrite. Washington state has recently enacted legislation known as “Tyler’s Law,” named in memory of Tyler Schmidt, a 15-year-old who tragically died after ingesting sodium nitrite purchased online. This new law restricts the sale of highly concentrated sodium nitrite to verified businesses or institutions with legitimate needs, requiring warning labels and imposing penalties for violations—a commonsense approach to preventing both accidental poisonings and misuse of the chemical.
“There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider,” said the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
The timing of this recall highlights the legitimate concerns surrounding sodium nitrite and justifies the regulatory measures being implemented. While the chemical serves an important purpose in food preservation when used correctly, recent incidents underscore the need for both proper manufacturing controls and restricted access to concentrated forms. The FSIS has previously issued public health alerts regarding excessive sodium nitrite, demonstrating an ongoing pattern that requires attention from both industry and government regulators.
“The law prohibits the sale or transfer of sodium nitrite above 10 percent concentration to anyone other than verified businesses or institutions with a legitimate need. It also requires warning labels, record-keeping, and imposes civil penalties for violations,” said State Rep. Sharlett Mena in 2025.
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