USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Mislabelled Costco Turkey Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert concerning frozen, ready-to-eat turkey stuffed pastry products sold at various Costco locations. The alert was prompted by the discovery that some packages were mislabeled and may contain a different meat filling than advertised. Specifically, the affected products are La Boulangerie Turkey Pesto & Swiss Cheese Pockets, manufactured by Shaw Bakers LLC.

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The public health alert pertains to 25.4-ounce boxes of La Boulangerie Turkey Pesto & Swiss Cheese Pockets, which are supposed to contain turkey and cheese. However, some boxes were found to contain ham and cheese instead. This mislabeling raises significant concerns for consumers who avoid pork for dietary, religious, or medical reasons. The affected boxes carry the lot code 04926, a best-by date of February 18, 2027, and the establishment number P-51243A, which can be found inside the USDA mark of inspection.

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The issue was identified after Shaw Bakers received two consumer complaints indicating that the boxes labeled as turkey and cheese pastries actually contained ham and cheese. Following these reports, Shaw Bakers notified the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), leading to the issuance of the public health alert. Although no adverse health reactions have been reported, the mislabeling poses a potential risk for individuals with specific dietary restrictions.

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The FSIS has stated that a formal product recall is unnecessary since the affected products are no longer available for purchase in stores. However, some packages may still be present in consumers' freezers. Therefore, the FSIS advises consumers who purchased the product to:

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• Check their freezer for the affected lot code and best-by date.

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• Avoid consuming the product if it matches the public health alert.

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• Return the product to the place of purchase or discard it.

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Shaw Bakers, based in San Leandro, California, is managing consumer inquiries related to this alert. Consumers can reach out to the company's Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director via email at bhaskara@shawbakers.com. For broader food safety questions, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854), or concerns can be submitted through the agency’s online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.

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The USDA's public health alert serves as a precautionary measure to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with mislabeled food products. Awareness and adherence to the guidance provided are essential for those who may have purchased the affected items.

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