American shoppers have been hit with another food recall as a major cracker manufacturer finds metal contamination in products at big-box retailers across the nation. This latest safety concern affects popular soup accompaniments found in American pantries.
At a glance:
• The FDA has upgraded a recall of over 15,000 cases of oyster crackers to “Class II” status
• Stainless steel wire contamination prompted Shearer’s Foods to issue the recall
• Affected brands include Market Pantry (Target), Great Value (Walmart), Giant Eagle, and VISTA
• Products were distributed across multiple states including Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas
• Consumers should return contaminated products for a refund or exchange
Major Retailers Hit By Contamination Crisis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a significant recall affecting oyster crackers sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle. Ohio-based food manufacturer Shearer’s Foods initiated the recall of 15,874 cases of crackers on February 21, after discovering potential contamination with stainless steel wire.
The FDA escalated the case on March 11 by classifying the recall as “Class II,” indicating that the products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Even though the classification suggests potential health risks, these are unlikely to be severe or life-threatening in most cases. People with underlying health conditions could be more vulnerable, however.
Specific Products Affected By The Recall
The recall encompasses multiple popular brands found in American households including Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers (UPC 085239114933) with a sell-by date of May 23, 2025. Walmart’s Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers (UPC 078742085494) with the same sell-by date are also included in the safety alert.
Other affected products include Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers (UPC 030034915087) and Vista Soup & Oyster Crackers (UPC 045100008006), both with best-by dates of May 24, 2025. The recall extends beyond retail packaging to include 20-pound bulk packages of oyster crackers (UPC 10045100400203) not intended for direct consumer sales.
Consumer safety experts note that metal contamination in food products is a persistent problem in the American food supply chain. Recent years have seen similar recalls affecting products from MadeGood granola bars to ALDI’s Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos.
What Consumers Should Do
The FDA and Shearer’s Foods are advising consumers not to eat any of the recalled crackers. Anyone who purchased them should either dispose of them immediately or return them to the store for a full refund or exchange.
This recall affects products distributed across numerous states including Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas among others. The FDA continues to monitor the situation.
Industry analysts point out that while recalls are concerning, they also demonstrate that America’s food safety system is functioning as designed. The quick identification and voluntary recall align with standard safety protocols.
