Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Georgia, has issued a nationwide recall affecting a significant quantity of their popular Dinty Moore Beef Stew. The recall encompasses approximately 256,185 pounds of the product due to potential contamination with wood fragments.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on May 28th, emphasizing the serious health risks associated with consuming food containing sharp wood pieces. These fragments can cause internal injuries to the throat, stomach, or intestines, and may even lead to choking.

The recall specifically targets 20-ounce cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew. Consumers should check their cans for the following details: a “best by” date of February 2028 and a lot code of “T02045.” These cans were manufactured on February 4th and distributed to retailers nationwide.

The FSIS urges consumers who have purchased cans matching this description to immediately discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further information or to report any adverse reactions, contact Hormel Foods directly or visit the FSIS website.

This large-scale recall underscores the importance of food safety practices and highlights the potential dangers of foreign material contamination in processed food. Always inspect your canned goods before consumption and report any concerns to the relevant authorities.