Consumers nationwide face a possible health hazard after stainless steel wire contamination forces major retailers to recall over 15,000 cases of popular oyster crackers from their shelves.
Key Takeaways
- More than 15,000 cases of oyster crackers have been recalled from Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle due to stainless steel wire contamination
- The FDA classified this as a “Class II” recall, indicating potential temporary or reversible health consequences if consumed
- Affected products include store brands Market Pantry, Great Value, Giant Eagle, and Vista with specific UPC codes and sell-by dates through May 2025
- Consumers should check UPC codes on any oyster crackers purchased and return affected products for a refund or exchange
Metal Contamination Prompts Massive Recall
In a concerning development for consumers across multiple states, the Food and Drug Administration has announced a significant recall of oyster crackers due to potential metal contamination. Shearer’s Foods, LLC initiated the recall on February 21, 2025, after discovering stainless steel wire in their products. The contaminated crackers were distributed to major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle, putting thousands of American households at risk of consuming potentially dangerous foreign objects in what should be a simple pantry staple.
“More than 15,000 cases of oyster crackers have been recalled from Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle after stainless steel wire was found in the product.” – FDA
The FDA officially classified the situation as a “Class II” recall on March 11, a designation that suggests potential “temporary” or “reversible” health consequences for consumers who may have purchased and consumed the affected products. While this classification indicates the risk is not immediately life-threatening, the presence of metal fragments in food products poses serious concerns for public safety—particularly when these products are widely distributed across multiple states and carried by America’s largest retailers.
Identifying Affected Products
The recalled crackers were sold under various private-label brands, making identification challenging for consumers. Products impacted include Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers (UPC: 085239114933) with a sell-by date of May 23, 2025, Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers (UPC: 078742085494) also with a May 23, 2025 sell-by date, Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers (UPC: 030034915087) with a best-by date of May 24, 2025, and Vista Soup & Oyster Crackers (UPC: 045100008006) with the same best-by date.
“FDA ANNOUNCES RECALL ON CRACKERS SOLD AT WALMART, TARGET, AND MORE FOR METAL CONTAMINATION” – Bailey Fink
In addition to retail packages, the recall extends to 20-pound bulk packages (UPC: 10045100400203) with a best-by date of May 24, 2025. These bulk packages weren’t intended for direct retail sale but may have been supplied to food service operations, potentially expanding the scope of this contamination issue beyond individual consumers to restaurants and institutional food providers. The widespread distribution across Alabama, California, Florida, New York, and numerous other states demonstrates the far-reaching impact of this quality control failure.
Government Response and Consumer Action
The timing of this recall raises questions about the FDA’s monitoring systems. While the manufacturer initiated the recall on February 21, the FDA didn’t classify it until March 11—nearly three weeks later. During this lag time, how many additional contaminated products may have been purchased and consumed? This delay is yet another example of the bureaucratic inefficiency that continues to plague our regulatory agencies, potentially putting Americans at risk while paperwork makes its way through the system.
“Class II” – FDA
Consumers who have purchased the affected oyster crackers are strongly advised to check UPC codes and expiration dates to determine if their products are part of the recall. If you’ve purchased these products, do not consume them. Instead, they should be returned to the place of purchase for a refund or exchange. While the health consequences are classified as temporary, the presence of metal wire in food products presents clear physical dangers that responsible consumers should avoid. With inflation driving grocery prices ever higher, it’s especially frustrating that even basic items like crackers now come with additional safety concerns.
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
