Two states have raised alarms about the high sodium levels in certain meat products, which can pose health risks.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) sounded the alert regarding dry-cured bacon and beef items sold by Farmstead Butcher Block due to levels of sodium nitrite exceeding regulatory limits.
During routine testing, FSIS inspectors discovered that the sodium nitrite formulation in these products exceeded the accepted limit.
Sodium nitrite is often used to extend the shelf-life of cured meats like sausages, bacon, and hotdogs, but it has been linked to various health issues like heart disease and diabetes, leading to its exclusion from certain foods.
The affected products were distributed to farmer’s markets, farm stores, and other retailers in Kentucky and Tennessee, with some directly purchased from Farmstead Butcher Block in Kentucky.
Consumers are cautioned that these products may still be in their refrigerators and freezers and should not be consumed. The alert advises to either return the products or safely dispose of them.
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse effects from consuming these products, but if concerned about any illness, individuals should seek medical advice.
The products are no longer being sold, so a formal recall was deemed unnecessary.
The warning covers specific products, such as different varieties of bacon and beef items with corresponding lot codes and sell-by dates.
In recent weeks, there have been other recalls and warnings related to meat products, including a significant recall of uninspected meat products and voluntary recalls by Publix Super Markets for certain ground beef items.