ILLINOIS — More than 140,000 pounds of lunch meat products are being recalled nationwide, and Illinois consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators. The recall stems from mislabeling concerns involving a popular bologna product, which could pose health risks for those with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Gaiser’s European Style Provision Inc., based in New Jersey, is voluntarily recalling the meat due to the product being labeled incorrectly — as “mortadella” instead of “bologna” — and potentially missing key ingredient details.
What Was Recalled?
The recalled products include:
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“Gaiser’s Brand Smoked Dried Beef – Mortadella”
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Approx. 141,000 pounds of deli-style meats
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Distributed nationwide, including Illinois grocery retailers and delis
The items in question were produced between July 2023 and May 2024, and do not list required ingredients or allergen information as per federal labeling standards.
Why It Matters for Illinois Consumers
While there have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the recall, the mislabeling could cause serious health risks for those who have food allergies or sensitivities to ingredients like milk or gluten.
According to NBC Chicago, Illinois shoppers are strongly advised to review their deli purchases and return any affected products to the point of purchase.
Local grocery chains may already be removing items from shelves, but improperly stored packages in home refrigerators may still be in circulation.
What To Do If You Bought It
The USDA recommends consumers:
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Check labels for “Gaiser’s” and packaging dates between July 2023 and May 2024
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Look for the establishment number “EST. 5385” inside the USDA inspection mark
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Do not eat the product — return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely
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Contact Gaiser’s customer service for more information on refunds or questions
Ongoing USDA Monitoring
The FSIS has classified this as a Class I recall, meaning the product poses a high health risk. They will continue monitoring retail locations and provide updates if further action is needed.
This follows similar recent recalls involving mislabeling and allergen risks in other packaged foods.
If you’ve recently purchased deli meat from local grocers or specialty markets, take a moment to verify the brand and lot codes. The summer grilling and picnic season increases the likelihood of casual consumption — don’t let a mislabeled product ruin a family meal.
Have you seen this product in any local Illinois store or deli? Let us know in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — and help protect your community by sharing this recall with friends and neighbors.
