If you’ve recently stocked your fridge or freezer with sausages or sliced meats in New York, it might be time to double-check your groceries.

A significant meat recall has been issued, and it’s not just a minor mix-up—it’s about potentially harmful levels of a preservative that could pose serious health risks.

Nearly 19,000 Pounds of Meat Pulled from Shelves

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Smith Packing, LLC is recalling close to 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products.

These meats were sold across New York state and include a variety of items many people might have in their kitchens.

Some of the products on the recall list include:

As-Salaam’s Beef Breakfast Sausage
Smith Packing’s Beef Knockwurst
Honest John’s Bratwurst 5/1
Beefland USA’s Regular Beef Sausage 5/1

These items were made over a span of two months—from February 19 to April 24, 2025.

What Sparked the Recall?

The issue came to light after several consumers reported that the meat smelled and tasted strange and looked a little off-color.

While no one has been officially reported sick yet, federal officials aren’t taking any chances.

They’re encouraging anyone who feels unwell after eating these meats to reach out to a healthcare provider.

What’s the Danger? It’s All About Sodium Nitrite

The problem centers on excessive sodium nitrite—a preservative commonly used to extend shelf life and keep meat looking fresh.

While it’s normal to find some level of this chemical in cured meats, too much of it can be dangerous.

When sodium nitrite levels are too high, it can mess with your blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

This can lead to a condition called methemoglobinemia, which affects your breathing and can make you feel faint—or worse.

In extreme cases, it can even be fatal.

Symptoms You Should Watch For

If someone has been exposed to high amounts of sodium nitrite, they might experience symptoms like:

Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Difficulty breathing or feeling lightheaded

On top of that, contact with the preservative—especially in large amounts—can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, or skin.

Long-Term Risks You Might Not Know About

There’s another layer of concern here too.

High levels of sodium nitrite have been linked to several forms of cancer, including:

Colorectal cancer
Stomach and esophageal cancers
Pancreatic and thyroid cancer
Ovarian and leukemia

This is why health experts and federal agencies treat these recalls seriously—even if no one has gotten sick just yet.

What Should You Do If You Have These Products?

The FSIS urges customers who bought these items to either return them to the store or throw them away immediately.

Even if they’re sitting in your freezer, they could still pose a risk if eaten later.

If you’re not sure whether your product is affected, it’s best to err on the side of caution—especially if the packaging lists one of the recalled brands or production dates.

Bottom Line: Better Safe Than Sorry

This isn’t just about spoiled meat—it’s about preventing a serious health hazard.

So if you’ve got any of the recalled products tucked away in your kitchen, go ahead and dispose of them safely.

Your health is worth the extra caution.