Mystery lunch meat: 150,000 pounds of bologna recalled due to ‘undeclared' chicken, beef, or pork contents
Several different kinds of bologna manufactured by the Union, New Jersey, company Gaiser's European Style Provisions may contain types of meat and chicken not listed on their respective labels. Here's what to know about the recall:
What's happened?
The recall comes after the FSIS received a complaint pertaining to the meat content of a Gaiser's product. After conducting an investigation, the FSIS was able to confirm that seven different kinds of bologna from the brand included some combination of pork, chicken, or beef that was not stated on the product label.
This type of rebrand is described as a 'misbranding,' which falls under the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's Class III category, or 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.'
The recall notice states that, 'Although FSIS does not expect any adverse health effects for Class III recalled products and there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products, anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.'
What product is getting recalled?
Seven different types of bologna are affected by the recall, totaling 143,416 pounds of lunch meat. All of the products were produced between March 20 and June 20, and include the establishment number 'EST. 5385' inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
Per the recall notice, the meats were sold to 'wholesale and retail locations nationwide,' though specific stores were not listed. However, the notice flags that some products may have been weighed, wrapped, and labeled in retail store locations at the time of purchase.
Below is a list of the products to look out for:
Vacuum-packed packages of 'FAMILY TREE BOLOGNA VEAL' containing undeclared pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of 'BABUSHKA'S RECIPE CHICKEN BOLOGNA' containing undeclared pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of 'FANCY BOLOGNA' labeled with pork as an ingredient but containing undeclared beef and chicken.
Vacuum-packed packages of 'GAISERS RUSSIAN BRAND DOKTORSKAYA BOLOGNA' containing undeclared beef.
Plastic-wrapped packages of 'GAISERS BOLOGNA VEAL' containing undeclared chicken and pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of 'GAISERS TURKEY BOLOGNA' containing undeclared chicken and pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of 'CHICKEN BOLOGNA KYPOYKA PABA' containing undeclared pork.
The recall notice also includes images of the packaging for all of the affected items.
What should I do if I have a recalled Gaiser's product?
While Class III recall products are generally not likely to cause adverse health effects, the FSIS urges both consumers and restaurants not to serve the recalled bologna products. Instead, the recall notice says, 'These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
17 minutes ago
- Medscape
Ileal Resection Tied to Higher CRC Risk in Crohn's Disease
TOPLINE: Patients with Crohn's disease who undergo terminal ileum resection have a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal polyps than those who do not undergo resection. METHODOLOGY: Up to 70% of patients with Crohn's disease undergo ileocecal resection, which increases colonic bile acid flux exposure and potentially promotes induction of tumorigenic pathways. However, the direct impact of terminal ileum resection on CRC risk in Crohn's disease remains uncertain. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study (2005-2024) using U.S. electronic health record data from adults with Crohn's disease to assess the association between terminal ileum resection and CRC risk. The primary outcome was the risk for CRC in patients with and without terminal ileum resection. Secondary outcomes included the risk for CRC based on biologics use and colonic involvement, and risk for benign colonic polyps. TAKEAWAY: Researchers included 13,617 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent terminal ileum resection (mean age, 39.5 years; 51.3% female) and an equal number of matched controls without resection. Terminal ileum resection was associated with a significantly higher risk for CRC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.58; P < .001), which was consistent in both men (aHR, 4.23; P < .001) and women (aHR, 2.43; P < .01). Elevated CRC risk persisted regardless of colonic involvement (P < .01). CRC risk did not significantly differ between patients who received biologic therapy and those who were biologic naive. Patients with resection also had a higher risk for nonmalignant colonic polyps (aHR, 1.11; P < .01), which was consistent in both men and women (P < .01 for both). IN PRACTICE: "Our findings highlight the need to reassess CRC surveillance strategies in patients with [Crohn's disease] post-[terminal ileum] resection. While current guidelines focus on inflammation-related risk, our results suggest that surgical history itself is an independent risk factor," the authors concluded. SOURCE: This study was led by Inas Mikhail, MD, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, and Omar Al Ta'ani, MD, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was published online in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design may introduce biases related to reporting, selection, and follow-up. Residual confounding factors may have persisted despite propensity score matching. Due to a lack of data on bile acid profile and inflammatory burden, it could not be determined whether dysregulation of bile acids was directly involved in CRC risk. DISCLOSURES: This study authors reported no specific funding or conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
CNET
26 minutes ago
- CNET
Your Bird Feeder Is in the Wrong Spot. Here's Where It Should Be, According to a Wildlife Expert
As a wellness writer and amateur birder, I appreciate the health benefits of listening to birds. Studies show that hearing birdsong can positively impact our mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and lowering stress levels. Until recently, I lived in an apartment in the heart of a city. I had to actively seek nature and the advantages of being surrounded by our avian friends. I now live in a house with a backyard and mature trees, where birds flit among the bushes and bounce along the fence line. I dove headfirst into my long-held dream of having an outdoor space with bird feeders, quickly realizing I needed some guidance on choosing the right feeder and figuring out where to place it. Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, came to the rescue with expert insight. From feeders and seeds to bird safety tips, here's everything you need to know about where to place and how to care for your bird feeder. Where is the best place to put your bird feeder? Location, location, location -- it's not just a term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can affect the birds and other wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground. Coverage and proximity to trees Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from bushes and trees. Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food,' said Hubbard. A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US. Distance from windows 'There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird's safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list," said Hubbard. There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within 3 feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won't be flying at high speed if it hits the window. The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. 'Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn't allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window," explained Hubbard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe. Shade versus sun 'Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,' explained Hubbard. In addition to keeping them cooler during the warmer summer months, a shaded location can help reduce sun glare and prevent confusion for the birds flying in your yard. The height of your bird feeder will also play a role in the type of bird you off the ground The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees. 'About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,' said Hubbard. You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling. What type of bird feeder should you use? Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately boils down to the bird you hope to attract. Hubbard echoed this sentiment. 'Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue,' Hubbard explained. Unless you're trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here's a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they're best for. It was three days before I saw the first visitor to my platform feeder. Aly Lopez/CNET After installing my hanging tray feeder, the first visitor was a California scrub jay. This species can be rather competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a "bully bird," so I hoped it wouldn't hog the feeder. However, I'm pleased to report that many other birds have since been regularly stopping by the feeder, including chickadees, house finches, mourning doves and American robins. What should you feed the birds? Similar to the type of feeder, the food you put out will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. 'The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you're hoping to attract to your backyard," Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds. The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They're easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It's preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin's finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more. The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds. Aly Lopez/CNET High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value, and birds often won't eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it's best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs. Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food. I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited. Aly Lopez/CNET I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard. Do not give them human food Avoid setting out human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds. 'We do not recommend feeding any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn't provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread," explains Hubbard. Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard? Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space. "Some instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you're made aware of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard,' said Hubbard. If you live in bear country, it's important to secure any attractants when there are sightings in your area.'If you don't want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it overnight when a lot of wildlife is most active, then place it back out in the morning. You can also try scattering some small amounts of birdseed in your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick through but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this may also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It is good practice to keep up with sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing the feeders at night," Hubbard emphasized. How often should you clean your bird feeder? 'Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied," said Hubbard. The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (around every three to five days), as do feeders located in especially hot or humid weather. Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing the old seed, taking them apart and placing them in a dishwasher on a hot setting or handwashing with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and thoroughly dry the bird feeder before refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the ground beneath your feeder is recommended to prevent the buildup of uneaten seed and bird waste. How long will it take for birds to find the feeder? I have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a solar-powered roof for coverage and a camera for capturing photos and videos as they munch. I had to fend off disappointment when my little bird buddies didn't immediately swarm around the new feeders, but I learned it can take up to a few weeks before they'll interact with a new one. Birds are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time. The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It took 12 days for a bird to land on the Bird Buddy feeder. I was jumping for joy when I received the notification from the Bird Buddy app that I had a visitor -- a cute mountain chickadee coming to check things out for the first time. This little mountain chickadee was the first to check out the Bird Buddy feeder 12 days after installing it. Bird Buddy/Aly Lopez/CNET Too long; didn't read? The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. In addition to the placement of your bird feeder, the type of feeder and seed you use influence the species of birds that will visit -- as well as the presence of other animals and potential predators. I enjoy the gentle coo of the mourning doves that have been visiting my hanging tray, but they sure do leave a mess. Aly Lopez/CNET Ideally, you should position your bird feeder around 10 feet away from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. It's best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, a leading cause of injury and death for birds. Use high-quality feed and avoid offering human food or snacks, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently spotted, securing your bird feeder and any other attractants is crucial to keep these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another huge threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it's best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the birds' safety and protection. Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to the transmission of bird disease. As fun as it is to bring all the birds to your yard, being a responsible birder is key to ensuring the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy and happy. If you have questions regarding your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state's wildlife department is another fantastic source for inquiring about local guidelines and assistance. It's pretty simple -- the bird feeder and type of seed you set out will influence the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their safety is the top priority.
Medscape
32 minutes ago
- Medscape
Semaglutide Has Found Its STRIDE
Key results and new insights from the STRIDE trial and the evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) therapy in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were discussed during a symposium at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions in Chicago, which I was fortunate to attend. A Common Comorbidity T2D and PAD are not strangers to one another; patients with T2D are twice as likely to develop PAD compared with the general population. PAD has been shown to be the most common initial manifestation of cardiovascular disease in T2D. Moreover, patients with diabetes foot complications fear amputation and infection more than death. However, PAD is underrecognized in T2D; only around 20% of patients present with the classical symptoms of intermittent claudication (IC). PAD also has insidious onset: Patients experience slow functional decline and leg discomfort, which is often not recognized as PAD by healthcare professionals or patients. T2D and PAD are growing in incidence and share many risk factors, including obesity. A recent systematic literature review exploring the epidemiology and burden of PAD in T2D found that 12.5%-22% of patients with T2D had comorbid PAD. Furthermore, patients with T2D and PAD have a very high risk for major lower-limb complications and major adverse cardiovascular events, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Unsurprisingly, PAD was associated with poor quality of life and significant healthcare use and costs. Notably, the ADA 2025 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes now recommends screening for PAD using ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing in asymptomatic patients with diabetes aged > 65 years, microvascular disease in any location, or foot complications or any end-organ damage from diabetes if a PAD diagnosis would change management. PAD screening should also be considered in patients with diabetes duration > 10 years and high cardiovascular risk. PAD in T2D is often recalcitrant to surgical intervention because it tends to affect the distal vasculature (that is, the infrapopliteal vessels). These lesions are less amenable to traditional revascularization procedures such as femoropopliteal bypass and stenting. Unfortunately, this circumstance often leaves patients with T2D and PAD with persistent debilitating symptoms and few surgical options. Many international medical guidelines have class I recommendations to consider SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs for patients with T2D and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, though not specifically PAD. The only class I recommendation in PAD is for cilostazol for improving claudication symptoms. Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor that promotes vasodilation and increased blood flow, which can improve symptoms of IC (but not cardiovascular outcomes). A recent Cochrane review found that cilostazol resulted in only a 40 m improvement in absolute claudication distance. From my clinical experience, cilostazol is often poorly tolerated (headache and diarrhea are common). It is contraindicated in heart failure, which frequently occurs with PAD. STRIDE Results The randomized controlled STRIDE trial was published in the Lancet in May 2025 and explored the impact of subcutaneous semaglutide (1 mg weekly) plus standard of care, compared with placebo, on walking capacity in patients with symptomatic PAD and T2D. In essence, STRIDE has laid the foundation for a paradigm shift in how we use GLP-1 RAs for symptomatic PAD. The trial recruited 792 patients with T2D and Fontaine stage IIa PAD. Fontaine stage IIa is early-stage symptomatic PAD, in which patients experience symptoms of IC after walking more than 200 m. Mean ABI was ≤ 0.9 in all participants; a normal ABI is typically 0.90-1.30 and indicates normal blood flow to the lower limbs. One-quarter of participants were female, and median age was 68 years. Obesity was not a criterion for study enrollment; 35% of participants had a BMI < 27. The primary outcome of the study was maximum walking distance after 52 weeks compared with baseline. STRIDE achieved its primary outcome. Subcutaneous semaglutide was associated with a significantly increased maximum walking distance (40 m improvement on a 12% incline, which is equivalent to 80 m improvement on a flat surface). This improvement is double that associated with cilostazol and, importantly, was confirmed to be clinically meaningful. The researchers also observed significantly improved symptoms and quality of life, as evidenced by improvements in the VascuQoL questionnaire. Notably, the reported improvements in ABI and disease progression confirm the vascular benefits of semaglutide. Encouragingly, clinical benefits persisted even 5 weeks after stopping semaglutide therapy. The treatment's safety profile was consistent with previous semaglutide trials, and no unexpected safety findings emerged. New data presented and simultaneously published in Diabetes Care confirmed that the effect of semaglutide on maximum walking distance was consistent, irrespective of T2D characteristics; benefits were independent of baseline diabetes duration, BMI, HbA1c, or concomitant use of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or insulin. Functional benefits did not appear to correlate with weight loss or glycemic improvement, again highlighting the vascular benefits of semaglutide in reducing atherosclerosis, possibly through an anti-inflammatory effect. In conclusion, STRIDE increases the suite of recognized cardiometabolic and renal benefits of semaglutide by adding improved walking capacity, quality of life, and disease progression for patients with T2D and PAD. During my resident year as a junior doctor, my vascular consultant always reminded me of the core management of PAD in five words: 'stop smoking and keep walking.' While this remains the cornerstone of management 25 years later, semaglutide is now well positioned as a foundational therapy to improve quality and quantity of life in patients with T2D and PAD.
