Washington, DC - Hempler Foods Group, a Ferndale, Washington, establishment, is recalling approximately 8,535 pounds of ready-to-eat pepperoni sticks due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. 

The ready-to-eat pepperoni stick products were produced from April 20 through May 2, 2018. The following products are subject to recall:

• 4 count/case of 2.25-lbs. of “HEMPLER’S FAMILY CLASSIC PEPPERONI, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED” with “PACKED ON” date 04/21/18 and “LOT # 8106.”
• 4 count/case of 2.25-lbs. of “HEMPLER’S FAMILY CLASSIC PEPPERONI, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED” with “PACKED ON” date 04/26/18 and “LOT # 8113.”
• 4 count/case of 2.25-lbs. of “HEMPLER’S FAMILY CLASSIC PEPPERONI, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED” with “PACKED ON” date 05/01/18 and “LOT # 8117B.”
• 4 count/case of 2.25-lbs. of “HEMPLER’S FAMILY CLASSIC PEPPERONI, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED” with “PACKED ON” date 05/02/18 and “LOT # 8117B.”
• 10 count/case of 9-oz. of “HEMPLER’S FAMILY CLASSIC PEPPERONI, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED” with “USE OR FREEZE BY” date 01/15/19 and “LOT # 8106.”
• 10 count/case of 9-oz. of “HEMPLER’S FAMILY CLASSIC PEPPERONI, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED” with “USE OR FREEZE BY” date 01/16/19 and “LOT # 8106.”
• 10 count/case of 9-oz. of “HEMPLER’S FAMILY CLASSIC PEPPERONI, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED” with “USE OR FREEZE BY” date 01/22/19 and “LOT # 8113.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 6410” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers in California, Oregon, Utah and Washington, and then further distributed to retail stores.

The problem was discovered on May 17, 2018, when the firm received a customer complaint that a package of “Hempler’s Family Classic Pepperoni, Natural Smoke Flavor Added,” contained a different product identified as “Hempler’s Pepperoni with Jalapeno and Cheese, Natural Smoke Flavoring Added.” The retail establishment notified the firm, who informed FSIS of the problem.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Arlie Jacobs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Hempler Foods Group, at (360) 380-6684 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Stephen Bates, President of Hempler Foods Group, at (206) 399-1444 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..