By: Richard L. Smith
Hormel Foods Corporation is recalling more than 256,000 pounds of canned beef stew after discovering it may contain pieces of wood, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The recall affects 20-ounce metal cans labeled “Dinty Moore BEEF STEW” with a “BEST BY FEB 2028” date and the lot code “T02045.” 
Some cans may include an additional number following the lot code. Each recalled can bears the establishment number “EST 199G” printed on the packaging.
The affected product was produced on February 4, 2025, and distributed to retail stores nationwide.
The issue came to light after the company received three consumer complaints reporting the presence of wood fragments in the beef stew.
So far, no injuries have been confirmed in connection with the product.
However, officials advise anyone who may be concerned about illness or injury to consult a healthcare provider.
FSIS has issued a warning urging consumers not to eat the recalled stew. Instead, the product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
The agency is conducting routine recall effectiveness checks to ensure retailers have removed the affected product from shelves and notified customers. 
A list of retailers carrying the recalled item will be posted at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls as it becomes available.