RECALL ALERT: Another major food safety failure has struck America’s food supply as Hormel Foods Corporation has recalled over 256,000 pounds of Dinty Moore Beef Stew due to wood fragments.
The massive recall affects 20-oz. metal cans of “Dinty Moore Beef Stew” that were packaged on February 4, 2025.
Consumers who purchased these cans should check for the lot code “T02045,” establishment number “EST 199G,” and a “Best By” date of “FEB 2028” to determine if their product is affected by the recall.
Three separate consumers discovered wood fragments in their beef stew before alerting the company.
While no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm is significant.
Consuming wood fragments can damage teeth, gums, and potentially cause gastrointestinal blockages that could require medical intervention.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has classified this as a Class II recall.
“The problem was discovered after the establishment notified FSIS that they had received three consumer complaints reporting pieces of wood in the beef stew product,” the notice read.
A Class II recall indicates a health hazard with a remote probability of adverse health consequences.
Hormel Foods Corporation Recalls Canned Beef Stew Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2025 – Hormel Foods Corporation, a Tucker, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 256,185 pounds of canned beef stew product that may be contaminated… pic.twitter.com/fHBhoqQC8T
— Eastern Shore Undercover ® (@ShoreUndercover) May 29, 2025
However, many Americans are wondering why this was not caught during quality control inspections before reaching family dinner tables.
This is not the first contamination issue in the food supply this year. Earlier, Nestle was forced to recall Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s frozen meals for similar “wood-like” material contamination.
The recurring nature of these incidents suggests systemic problems in food production oversight that companies seem unwilling or unable to address effectively.
The FSIS has advised that anyone who has purchased the affected product should either throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.
The agency is also urging vigilance regarding potential symptoms from consuming contaminated products.
These include chest or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel movements, and fever.
“Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider,” FSIS stated.
Dinty Moore Beef Stew has been a staple in American pantries for generations. Families often rely on it during emergencies and power outages when cooking options are limited.
For concerned consumers, checking pantries for the affected product is recommended.
The recall notice did not specify the size of the wood fragments, making visual inspection challenging.
