WASHINGTON — E.A. Sween Company has issued a nationwide recall of approximately 127,887 pounds of its popular pulled pork sandwich product due to potential plastic contamination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The recall affects the “Deli Express BBQ Pulled Pork on a sesame bun” sandwiches, packaged in 5.5-ounce paper wrappers. These items, produced between Jan. 13 and Oct. 15, 2025, carry the USDA inspection mark with establishment number “EST. 2451.” They were distributed across the United States, including to the Department of Defense.
Contamination Origin Traced to Barbecue Sauce Bottles
The contamination issue surfaced after multiple consumer complaints reported finding plastic fragments in the sandwiches. An internal investigation by E.A. Sween identified the source as gallon-sized barbecue sauce bottles used during production.
Although no injuries have been confirmed, FSIS urges consumers not to eat the affected products. Instead, they should dispose of them or return them to the store of purchase.
Risk Remains for Products in Freezers
FSIS is particularly concerned that some consumers may still have these sandwiches stored in refrigerators or freezers. The agency is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that products are removed from shelves and customers are properly notified.
Consumers with questions can contact E.A. Sween Company’s Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-328-8184, option #2. For food safety inquiries, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov.
A Look at E.A. Sween’s Legacy
Founded in 1955 by Earl August Sween, the company began as a Stewart Sandwich franchise in Bloomington, Minnesota. It expanded quickly across the Midwest and opened a USDA-inspected facility in Eden Prairie in 1967. E.A. Sween officially took on its current name in 1980 and launched its Deli Express® brand that same year.
Now producing over 70 million sandwiches annually, the company distributes through wholesale partners and its own Combined Distribution Centers (CDCs). Tom H. Sween, the third-generation leader, currently serves as CEO.
Public Health Still the Priority
This recall underscores the importance of supply chain oversight and swift response to potential health hazards. While no injuries have occurred, both FSIS and E.A. Sween stress the need for consumer vigilance.
A full list of affected retailers will be posted on the FSIS website as it becomes available at fsis.usda.gov/recalls .
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Ten years of experience reporting. From car chases and courtroom verdicts to House fires, Holsford thrives during breaking news and finds it a privilege to help drive the conversation in Rockland County and the Greater New York Area. Born in San Bernardino, Thomas is a New York boy at heart. He received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, specializing in political science and sociology, from the University of Illinois
