In a recent development that has caught the attention of snack lovers across the United States, Chomps, a popular brand known for its high-protein, ready-to-eat meat sticks, has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 29,541 pounds of its Original Beef Sticks and Original Turkey Sticks. The recall, announced on March 20, 2025, stems from consumer complaints about metal fragments found in the products, raising concerns about food safety. This action, taken in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Idaho Smokehouse Partners, the manufacturer of Chomps products, underscores the company’s commitment to consumer safety. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, its implications, and what steps consumers should take.
What Prompted the Recall?
The recall was initiated after two consumers reported finding metal fragments in Chomps Original Beef Sticks, prompting an investigation by Chomps and Idaho Smokehouse Partners. According to the FSIS, the affected products were produced between January 13 and January 15, 2025, and packaged at a single facility in Shelley, Idaho, from January 16 to January 23, 2025. Out of an abundance of caution, Chomps expanded the recall to include not only the reported beef sticks but also select lots of Original Turkey Sticks produced during the same period, even though no complaints were directly linked to the turkey products.
The FSIS has classified this as a Class I recall, indicating a “reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.” While no injuries or adverse health effects have been reported so far, the presence of metal fragments in food poses significant risks, including cuts to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, as well as potential damage to teeth or gums. The USDA and Chomps are urging consumers to check their pantries for affected products and either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of Chomps Original Beef Stick Mild and Original Turkey Stick singles. The affected beef sticks were sold individually, as well as in 8-count and 12-count pouches, and were shipped to retail locations in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington, with some distribution extending to Costco stores in additional states. Consumers can identify recalled products by checking for the following details:
- Chomps Original Beef Stick Mild: Look for an expiration date of February 10, 2026, and lot code 25016 printed on the label, along with the establishment number “6220A” ink-jetted on the package.
- Chomps Original Turkey Stick: Check for an expiration date of February 17, 2026, and lot codes 25022 or 25023, with the establishment number “P6220A” ink-jetted on the package.
For products in pouches, Chomps advises consumers to remove a stick from the pouch to check the lot code printed below the barcode. A detailed list of affected products and lot codes is available on the Chomps recall website, where consumers can find additional resources to identify potentially contaminated items.
Why Metal Fragments in Food Are a Concern
The discovery of metal fragments in food products is a serious issue, as noted by food safety experts. According to Benjamin Chapman, PhD, a food safety expert at North Carolina State University, metal fragments can cause traumatic injuries, including lacerations to the mouth, throat, or digestive system, and may even require surgical intervention in severe cases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that foreign objects like metal can accidentally end up in food due to equipment malfunctions, such as worn-down machinery producing metal shavings during processing. This is particularly likely if routine maintenance or inspections are inadequate.
In recent years, advancements in food safety technology, such as metal detectors and X-ray systems, have made it easier to detect foreign materials before products reach consumers. However, incidents like this highlight the challenges of ensuring 100% safety in food production. The Chomps recall is part of a broader trend of food recalls involving foreign materials, including plastic and rubber, as companies strive to maintain high safety standards in increasingly complex supply chains.
What Consumers Should Do
If you’ve recently purchased Chomps Original Beef or Turkey Sticks, it’s critical to check your products against the recall details. The long shelf life of these snacks means they may still be in consumers’ pantries, particularly for those who buy in bulk from retailers like Costco or other major stores. If your product matches the lot codes or establishment numbers listed in the recall, do not consume it. Instead, you can:
- Discard the product: Safely throw away the affected sticks to prevent accidental consumption.
- Return it for a refund: Take the product back to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund, even if you no longer have the receipt. Retailers like Costco have been noted for their accommodating return policies in recall situations.
- Contact Chomps or Idaho Smokehouse Partners: For questions or concerns, reach out to Chomps via their website or call 855-636-1150. You can also contact Idaho Smokehouse Partners at 208-227-5282.
If you’ve consumed a recalled product and are concerned about potential injury, Chomps and the FSIS recommend contacting a healthcare provider immediately. The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline is also available at 888-674-6854 or via email at MPHotline@usda.gov for additional food safety questions.
Chomps’ Response and Commitment to Safety
Chomps has emphasized that consumer safety is its top priority, and the decision to expand the recall beyond the initially reported beef sticks reflects this commitment. In a statement to PEOPLE, Chomps said, “At Chomps, the safety and trust of our customers always come first. After working closely with our third-party manufacturing partner and the USDA, we chose to initiate a recall out of an abundance of caution.” The company has also implemented additional safeguards to prevent similar issues in the future, including enhanced quality control measures at the manufacturing facility.
Idaho Smokehouse Partners echoed this sentiment, stating, “Once we became aware of the two complaints, we worked with regulatory authorities on the best way to protect consumers from this issue.” The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market and that retailers and consumers are properly notified.
The Bigger Picture: Food Safety in the U.S.
The Chomps recall is a reminder of the importance of robust food safety protocols in the United States. While incidents involving foreign materials are relatively rare, they can have serious consequences. The USDA and FDA play critical roles in overseeing food safety, but some consumers have expressed concerns about potential reductions in food inspection resources, as discussed in online forums like Reddit. These discussions highlight the need for continued investment in food safety technologies and inspections to protect consumers from risks like metal contamination.
For now, Chomps’ swift action and transparency in addressing the issue have been praised by industry observers. The company’s proactive approach, including its decision to voluntarily recall additional products, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining consumer trust in a competitive market where brands like Chomps have gained popularity for their healthy, protein-packed snacks.
Conclusion
The recall of nearly 30,000 pounds of Chomps Original Beef and Turkey Sticks due to potential metal fragment contamination is a significant event for consumers who rely on these snacks for convenience and nutrition. While no injuries have been reported, the Class I recall underscores the potential risks of consuming affected products. By checking lot codes, discarding or returning recalled items, and staying informed through resources like the Chomps website and USDA announcements, consumers can protect themselves and their families.
Chomps and Idaho Smokehouse Partners are working diligently to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences, but this incident serves as a reminder to always stay vigilant about food safety. If you have Chomps products in your pantry, take a moment to verify whether they’re part of the recall. Your safety is worth the extra step.
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