More than 15,000 cases of popular oyster crackers sold at major retailers have been recalled after stainless steel wire contamination was discovered in packages that could pose health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
Quick Takes
- Shearer’s Foods has recalled over 15,000 cases of oyster crackers potentially contaminated with stainless steel wire
- Affected crackers were sold at Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle under store brands including Market Pantry, Great Value, Giant Eagle, and Vista
- The FDA classified this as a “Class II” recall, indicating potential temporary health consequences
- Consumers should check specific UPC codes and best-by dates (May 23-24, 2025) to identify recalled products
- Customers who purchased affected crackers should return them to the store for a refund or replacement
Major Retailers Affected by Widespread Recall
The Food and Drug Administration has announced a significant recall affecting oyster crackers distributed to major retailers across the country. Shearer’s Foods, LLC initiated the recall on February 21, 2025, after discovering potential contamination with stainless steel wire in their products. The recall impacts more than 15,000 cases of oyster crackers that were distributed to Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle stores throughout multiple states. These popular crackers, often used in soups and chowders, were sold under various store-brand names that many American households regularly purchase.
The FDA officially classified the situation as a “Class II” recall on March 11, a designation that indicates potential temporary or reversible health consequences could result from consuming the affected products. While no injuries have been reported to date, the presence of metal fragments in food products poses clear safety concerns for consumers. The contamination was discovered during routine quality control measures, prompting Shearer’s Foods to take immediate action to protect public health.
How to Identify if Your Crackers Are Affected
Consumers who recently purchased oyster crackers should carefully check their packages against the recall information. The affected products were sold under several different store-brand names: Market Pantry (Target), Great Value (Walmart), Giant Eagle, and Vista. Each product has specific UPC codes and expiration dates that can help identify whether they are part of the recall. Checking these details is essential to determine if the crackers in your pantry might contain the potentially dangerous metal contamination.
For Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers, look for UPC code 085239114933 with a Sell-By Date of May 23, 2025. Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers have UPC code 078742085494 and the same Sell-By Date. Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers are identifiable by UPC code 030034915087 with a Best-By Date of May 24, 2025, while Vista Soup & Oyster Crackers have UPC code 045100008006 with the same Best-By Date. Additionally, 20-pound bulk packages intended for food service use are included with UPC code 10045100400203 and Best-By Date of May 24, 2025.
What Consumers Should Do
The FDA and Shearer’s Foods strongly advise consumers not to eat any of the recalled oyster crackers. Anyone who has purchased these products should either dispose of them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. Most affected retailers are offering full refunds or product replacements for customers who return the recalled items. This recall serves as an important reminder of the need for vigilance regarding food safety and the importance of paying attention to product recalls issued by regulatory authorities.
“FDA ANNOUNCES RECALL ON CRACKERS SOLD AT WALMART, TARGET, AND MORE FOR METAL CONTAMINATION”
The contaminated products have been distributed across numerous states, including Alabama, California, Florida, and New York, among others. Shearer’s Foods is working closely with the FDA to ensure the recall proceeds efficiently and that all affected products are removed from store shelves. Customers with questions about the recall can contact the customer service department at Shearer’s Foods for additional information or clarification about the affected products and the ongoing recall process.
Sources:
- FDA Announces Recall on Crackers Sold at Walmart, Target, and More for Metal Contamination
- FDA Announces Recall on Crackers Sold at Walmart, Target, and More for Metal Contamination
