Shearer’s Foods, LLC has initiated a significant recall of nearly 16,000 cases of oyster crackers due to potential contamination with stainless steel wire fragments. The recall, which began on February 21, 2025, affects products distributed across 24 states and multiple major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle. Several popular brands are included in this safety measure: Market Pantry, Great Value, Giant Eagle, VISTA, and bulk oyster crackers. This widespread recall highlights the importance of food safety vigilance for consumers who regularly purchase these common pantry staples.
The Scope of Shearer’s Oyster Cracker Recall
The recall by Shearer’s Foods involves an astounding 15,874 cases of oyster crackers that might contain dangerous stainless steel wire fragments. Products have been distributed to Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. With such a broad geographic spread, this recall requires immediate attention from consumers across much of the United States.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen metal contamination in food products. Recent FDA food safety recalls have become increasingly common as detection methods improve. The affected products include several recognizable brands that many families keep in their pantries year-round. It’s particularly concerning given how frequently these crackers are used in soups, stews, and other comfort foods.
The specific products being recalled include Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers sold at Target (7 oz packages with UPC 085239067970), Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers from Walmart (9 oz packages with UPC 078742352657), Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers (8 oz packages with UPC 030034664506), and VISTA Soup & Oyster Crackers (8 oz packages with UPC 070038633399). Additionally, 20 lb. Bulk Oyster Crackers not intended for retail sale are also affected. Each product has specific sell-by dates that consumers should check immediately.
How to Identify Affected Products
Checking your pantry for these potentially dangerous items requires careful attention to detail. For Market Pantry products sold at Target, look for 7 oz packages with sell-by dates of NOV 07 25, NOV 08 25, and NOV 09 25. Great Value products from Walmart come in 9 oz packages with sell-by dates of NOV 08 25 and NOV 09 25. Giant Eagle branded crackers are packaged in 8 oz containers with sell-by dates of NOV 08 25 and NOV 09 25.
VISTA Soup & Oyster Crackers in 8 oz packages have sell-by dates of NOV 08 25 and NOV 09 25. The bulk 20 lb. oyster crackers that aren’t for retail sale have lot codes 24042H 3 JBJB1 and 24043H 3 JBJB1. These specific details matter because only certain production runs are affected by the contamination issue.
If you purchase oyster crackers frequently, you might want to check multiple packages. The products have likely been on store shelves since late 2024 and early 2025, giving ample time for the affected items to make their way into homes across the country. Regular label inspection should become routine when food safety rules change and recalls occur.
Understanding the Health Risks
The presence of stainless steel wire fragments in food creates several serious potential hazards. Most immediately concerning is the risk of tooth damage if someone bites down on a metal fragment. Additionally, these fragments pose choking risks, especially for children and elderly individuals who might have difficulty if a small piece of metal becomes lodged in their throat.
Perhaps less obvious but equally troubling is the risk of gastrointestinal tract injury. Metal fragments can cause internal cuts or punctures as they travel through the digestive system. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, which indicates that adverse health consequences are remote but possible—not insignificant given the nature of the contaminant.
For context, food recalls are categorized based on risk level, with Class I being the most serious (reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death) and Class III being the least serious (unlikely to cause adverse health consequences). This middle classification still warrants immediate consumer action. The trends in foodborne illness show that foreign objects in food remain a persistent problem throughout the industry.
Retailer Response and Distribution Channels
Major retailers have taken swift action to protect consumers. Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle have removed the affected products from their shelves and distribution centers. However, given that the products were shipped to 24 states, they may also be available at other retail locations, including smaller grocery chains and independent stores that receive products through larger distribution networks.
The widespread nature of this distribution makes it particularly important for all consumers to check any oyster crackers in their possession, regardless of where they were purchased. Many retailers are also posting notices in stores to alert customers who may have already purchased the affected products but haven’t consumed them yet.
These prompt responses demonstrate the food industry’s culture of safety that has been developing over recent years. While recalls are never good news, the systems in place to quickly identify, communicate, and mitigate risks show significant improvement compared to previous decades.
Shearer’s Foods: Company Background and Response
Shearer’s Foods, LLC, based in Massillon, Ohio, is a major snack food manufacturer known for producing a variety of crackers, chips, and other snack products. The company has been proactive in their recall efforts, working closely with retailers and regulatory authorities to ensure consumer safety. They’ve established communication channels for consumers who have questions or concerns about the recalled products.
Their website at https://shearers.com provides additional details about the recall and regular updates as the situation develops. The company has also issued press releases and worked with retailers to ensure comprehensive consumer notification. This level of transparency is crucial during food safety incidents.
Shearer’s rapid response reflects the industry’s growing recognition of both the safety and reputation implications of quality control issues. While the recall process can be costly and logistically challenging, it demonstrates the priority placed on consumer protection. The company’s approach aligns with modern food policy developments that emphasize protection and prevention.
What Consumers Should Do Now
If you have purchased any of the affected products, the advice is clear and straightforward: do not consume them. The risk of injury, while classified as remote, isn’t worth taking when it involves metal fragments. Instead, return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund, regardless of whether you have a receipt.
For the most current information about this and other food recalls, visit the FDA Enforcement Report page at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts. This resource provides official recall notices and updates as investigations progress. Consumers can also contact Shearer’s Foods directly with specific questions about the recall or product identification.
I recommend taking photos of any product packaging before returning items, as this can be helpful if there are any questions about eligibility for refunds. Additionally, if you’ve already consumed some of the product and experienced any unusual symptoms or dental issues, contact your healthcare provider immediately and report your experience to both the retailer and the FDA.
This recall serves as an important reminder about the need for vigilance regarding food safety notices. While our food supply is generally very safe, manufacturing issues can and do occur. Regular checking of recall notices and prompt action when they affect products in your home is the best way to protect yourself and your family from potential harm.