Nationwide Recall: Dinty Moore Beef Stew Pulled from Shelves Over Wood Contamination Fears

     Hormel Foods Corporation has issued a nationwide recall of more than 256,000 pounds of its popular Dinty Moore Beef Stew after reports surfaced that some cans may contain wood fragments. The recall, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on May 28, 2025, affects 20-ounce cans of the stew distributed to retailers across the United States.

The specific product involved in the recall can be identified by the following details:

• Product: Dinty Moore Beef Stew, 20-ounce metal cans
• Best By Date: February 2028
• Lot Code: T02045 (may include an additional number at the end)
• Establishment Number: EST 199G (printed on the can)

     The affected beef stew was produced on February 4, 2025, and shipped to stores nationwide. The recall was prompted after Hormel received three consumer complaints about finding pieces of wood in the product. Fortunately, no injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall so far.

     FSIS has classified this as a Class I recall, the most serious category, indicating that there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause health problems or even death. While no harm has been reported, consumers are urged to take the recall seriously and avoid eating the affected stew.

     Consumers who have purchased Dinty Moore Beef Stew with the above identifying information are advised to:

• Do not consume the product.
• Dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund or exchange.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you are concerned about an injury or illness after consuming the product.

Hormel Foods has provided a consumer hotline at 800-523-4635 for questions related to the recall.

     This recall follows similar incidents earlier this year, where "wood-like" materials were found in other packaged foods, including Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s frozen meals, prompting recalls by their parent company, Nestlé. The FSIS continues to monitor the situation and will update the public if further action is needed.

     For more information and updates, consumers can visit the FSIS website or contact Hormel Foods directly.

     If you have a can of Dinty Moore Beef Stew with a “Best By FEB 2028” date and lot code T02045, do not eat it—return it or throw it away as a precaution against potential wood contamination