Consumer complaints to the Food Safety and Inspection Service rose about 40% in fiscal 2025, which ended Sept. 30, according to a brief report issued by the agency.
Complaints increased from 1,443 in FY 2024 to 2,016 the next year. In addition to the sharp increase, that total was the highest since 1,693 complaints were received in FY 2019.
Five Consumer Complaint Monitoring System investigations led to specific actions, FSIS said in the report:
- Two led to recalls after investigators found beef tallow products produced without FSIS inspection.
- Two others led to recalls for foreign objects – one for corndog/sausage products and one applying to canned beef stew.
- An in-commerce investigation identified product without a mark of inspection at a single retail store, resulting in the product being destroyed.
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Tyson Foods’ subsidiary Hillshire Farms recalled about 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products in September after consumers complained of wood in the products. Wood also was found in Hormel Foods’ beef stew, leading to a recall of 256,185 pounds.
