An active recall notice is currently out for private label oyster crackers sold at several major retailers such as, Walmart, Target, Vista, and others. The FDA issued this notice after a potential contamination of a foreign material was discovered in the product and customers are urged to remain on alert.
Oyster crackers sold by Walmart and other major retailers are being recalled
The United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a Class II recall notice for oyster crackers sold under private brand labeling at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Giant Eagle, Vista, and others. A Class II categorization by the FDA means that if an individual happens to consume the tainted product by any chance, the risk posed on the individual is moderate and could result in “temporary or reversible health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Additionally, according to the official recall notice, it is stated that the consumption of the recalled oyster crackers could potentially lead to “a tooth injury and choking hazard, and a GI tract injury.”
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that stainless steel fragments may have potentially contaminated the oyster crackers. The now vulnerable oyster crackers were manufactured by Shearer’s Foods LLC and the initial recall was sent out by the manufacturer on February 21. The products were then pulled from shelves and by March 11, the FDA elevated the recall status for this product to a Class II.
The Shearer’s Foods manufactured oyster crackers were distributed around the country to multiple major retailers including Target, Walmart, Vista, and Giant Eagle in the following states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Each of the retailers who had received a shipment of oyster crackers from Shearer’s Foods would have received it with their own respective private label branding. As such, the contaminated crackers would have the following packaging: Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers for Target, Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers for Walmart, Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers for Giant Eagle, and Vista Soup & Oyster Crackers in bulk.
How to identify if you oyster crackers have been recalled
Since the recalled product had been distributed under various brands with differing packaging, the follow details related to UPC codes and best before dates can be used to correctly identify if your oyster crackers are safe to consume or should immediately be discarded.
The identifying details of this recall are as follows:
- Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers: UPC 085239114933, Sell-By Date May 23, 2025; Code Date May 23, 2025 BC06
- Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers: UPC 078742085494; Sell-By Date May 23, 2025; Code Date May 23, 2025 ABO6, May 23, 2025 BBO6, May 23, 2025 CBO6
- Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers: UPC: 030034915087; Best-By Date May 24, 2025; Code Date May 24, 2025 AB06
- Vista Soup & Oyster Crackers: UPC 045100008006; Best-By Date May 24, 2025; Code Date May 24, 2025 AB06
- 20lb. Bulk Oyster Crackers: UPC 10045100400203; Best By May 24, 2025; Code Date May 24, 2025 AB06, May 24, 2025 BB06
Since the initial recall notice for these oyster crackers were issued in February, all remaining stock has since been taken off the shelves. However, due to the lengthy shelf life of this product, it is possible that consumers may have purchased it in advance to stock up on in their pantries. As such, customers are urged to check the details of any oyster cracker packages they may have at home as well.
If any individual finds themselves in possession of these recalled oyster crackers, they are urged to discard of them immediately so as to prevent any potential for harm or injury. Alternatively, the customer can return the item to the store from which they had purchased it and a full refund or exchange will be issued to them.