Costco snack recalled as ‘metal fragments’ found – check stores affected

A POPULAR snack widely available at Costco and other major grocery stores is being recalled after multiple customers found shards of metal inside.

The recall initially began with just one item but quickly expanded to cover three more snacks after the manufacturer found they may also have metal in them.

3

The recall was announced on March 20 by Chomps, which produces beef jerky, along with turkey and venison varieties.

Chomps’ manufacturing partner, Idaho Smokehouse Partners, pulled nearly 30,000 pounds of product after alerting the US Department of Agriculture to the issue, USA Today reported.

The recall originally applied to the Chomps Original Beef Sticks, but after an investigation, the company expanded it to Original Turkey Sticks that were also made in the same plant.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service confirmed the potential contamination.

The issue was first discovered by two customers who found metal pieces in their jerky sticks.

Neither customer had any adverse reactions to the metal, but the company said it will recall the product out of “an abundance of caution.”

“Our consumers are, and always will be, our number one priority,” the company wrote.

The affected ready-to-eat beef sticks were distributed in California and Illinois.

In addition to Costco, Chomps is also sold at most major grocery chains, including Trader Joes, Target, Whole Foods.

CHECK YOUR PANTRY

The Food Safety and Inspection Service is concerned that some contaminated products are still hiding in customers’ pantries.

Those who have bought Chomps jerky sticks recently are being urged to check whether they need to throw away or return the items.

The recalled products come from a single factory, which it did not identify, and were manufactured between January 16, 2025, and January 23, 2025.

The company advised customers to check their labels and barcodes to see if they have been affected by the recall.

 The three things customers need to check to see if the jerkey could be dangerous are the barcode number, the lot code, and the expiration date to see if the jerky could be dangerous.

The recalled beef sticks carry a February 10, 2026, expiration date.

A lookup tool is available on the Chomps website for customers to check if their item is impacted.

“Consumers who have affected products should not consume their products,” the company advised. 

“Consumers should instead return those products to your retailer of purchase for a refund. 

“Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.”

3

The USDA is continuing to monitor the recall.

It’s unclear if any other states beyond California and Illinois received the contaminated lots.

Costco has not yet issued a public statement.

Chomps didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S. Sun.

The Chomps recall comes just after butter sold at Walmart was found to be contaminated with fecal matter.

And celery sticks were recently recalled in 29 states over food poisoning fears.