Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. is recalling nearly 143,500 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna products distributed nationwide after federal inspectors determined the deli meats contained undeclared ingredients that could pose risks to consumers with dietary restrictions or religious observances.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall Friday, marking the latest in a series of mislabeling incidents that have raised questions about oversight in the meat processing industry.
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The recall affects seven bologna varieties produced between March 20 and June 20, all bearing establishment number "EST. 5385" inside the USDA inspection mark123. The products were sold under multiple brand names including Family Tree, Babushka's Recipe, and Gaiser's Russian Brand at wholesale and retail locations across the country24.
According to FSIS, the misbranded products include Family Tree Bologna Veal containing undeclared pork, Babushka's Recipe Chicken Bologna with undeclared pork, and Fancy Bologna labeled with pork but containing undeclared beef and chicken135. Other affected products are Gaiser's Russian Brand Doktorskaya Bologna with undeclared beef, Gaiser's Bologna Veal containing undeclared chicken and pork, Gaiser's Turkey Bologna with undeclared chicken and pork, and Chicken Bologna Kypoyka Paba containing undeclared pork13.
Some products were weighed, wrapped and labeled at retail store deli counters, complicating identification efforts35.
The mislabeling came to light through a complaint filed with the Office of Inspector General's hotline, prompting an FSIS investigation that confirmed the labeling discrepancies123. The agency has classified this as a Class III recall, indicating officials do not expect adverse health effects from consumption24.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products156.
FSIS officials urged consumers and restaurants not to consume or serve the recalled bologna, advising disposal or return to the place of purchase123. The agency expressed particular concern that products may remain in consumer refrigerators and freezers4.
Questions about the recall can be directed to Gaiser's manager Steven Shuchinski at 908-686-342114. The Union, New Jersey-based company has faced similar mislabeling issues before, with FSIS announcing a smaller bologna recall in 2016 over undeclared allergens5.
