The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert targeting frozen, ready-to-eat pastry products sold at Costco locations across the Midwest, after an investigation revealed that some packages labeled as turkey-based products actually contained ham and cheese fillings. The alert, which does not constitute a formal recall, nonetheless carries serious implications for consumers who avoid pork for religious, dietary, or medical reasons.
The affected product, La Boulangerie Turkey Pesto & Swiss Cheese Pockets, manufactured by Shaw Bakers LLC of San Leandro, California, is sold in 25.4-ounce boxes containing eight individual pastries. Officials are urging anyone who purchased the product to check their freezers immediately, as the items may no longer be on store shelves but could still be sitting in homes across the region.
A Mislabeling Problem Traced Back to Consumer Complaints
The alert was triggered not by a routine inspection, but by two consumer complaints submitted directly to Shaw Bakers. Shoppers reported opening boxes clearly labeled as turkey and Swiss cheese pastries only to find ham and cheese inside. The company subsequently notified the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which issued the public health alert in response.
According to the FSIS announcement, the affected boxes carry lot code 04926, a best-by date of February 18, 2027, and establishment number P-51243A, found within the USDA mark of inspection. The products were distributed to several Costco locations in the Midwest, though the precise number of stores involved has not been disclosed. As of the time of publication, no adverse health reactions have been reported in connection with the mislabeled products.
What Consumers Should Do, and Why the Stakes Are Real
While the pastries are fully cooked and safe to eat in a strictly microbiological sense, the core concern here is one of transparency and consumer trust. For individuals who follow halal or kosher dietary guidelines, or those with pork allergies or sensitivities, unknowingly consuming ham could carry genuine consequences, religious, personal, or medical.
The FSIS determined that a formal recall was unnecessary because the products are no longer available for purchase in stores. However, officials warned that packages may still be in consumers’ freezers, which is precisely why the public health alert was issued. Shoppers who believe they have purchased the affected product are advised not to consume it, and to either return it to the place of purchase or discard it entirely.
Shaw Bakers is handling consumer inquiries directly. According to the company’s published contact information, questions can be directed to Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director Sharanya Bhaskara at [email protected]. Consumers seeking broader food safety guidance can also reach the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854, or file a complaint through the agency’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System online. The incident serves as a reminder of how labeling errors, even those without immediate health consequences, can quietly undermine the trust that consumers place in the products they bring home.
