Popular Australian-made Philly cheesesteak pastries sold in Pennsylvania convenience stores are being recalled after bypassing required USDA inspection requirements, potentially putting consumers at risk.
Key Takeaways
- 127 pounds of “FOUR ‘N TWENTY TRAVELLER PHILLY CHEESESTEAK PASTRY” imported from Australia have been recalled due to lack of USDA reinspection
- The affected products have a use-by date of “AUG 20 2025” and establishment number “256”
- The pastries were distributed to convenience stores in Pennsylvania after entering the U.S. around May 1, 2025
- The recall was discovered during a federal surveillance operation conducted by FSIS
- Consumers are advised to either dispose of these products or return them to their place of purchase
Federal Food Safety Regulators Issue Warning
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued an urgent recall for 127 pounds of imported Australian pastries that entered our country without proper government inspection. The products in question are 5.6 oz. packages labeled “FOUR ‘N TWENTY TRAVELLER PHILLY CHEESESTEAK PASTRY” with a use-by date of “AUG 20 2025.” These pastries were imported by California-based Fijian Import & Export Co. Inc. and subsequently distributed to convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, potentially putting American consumers at risk.
Inspection Failure Raises Questions About Import Controls
The violation was discovered during a routine federal surveillance operation, raising serious concerns about our nation’s food safety inspection system. According to federal officials, the imported pastries entered the United States on or around May 1, 2025, completely bypassing the mandatory USDA reinspection process. The products bear the establishment number “256” and were produced in Australia before being imported by the California company. This breakdown in our inspection system highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining proper oversight of foreign food products entering our borders.
Consumer Response and Safety Precautions
Federal authorities have expressed concern that these uninspected pastries may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers across Pennsylvania. The FSIS strongly advises anyone who has purchased these products to either discard them immediately or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. While no adverse reactions have been reported to date, consumers who have health concerns after consuming these pastries should contact their healthcare provider immediately. This incident serves as yet another reminder of the importance of maintaining strong inspection standards for imported food products.
Ongoing Investigation and Company Response
As part of their standard procedure, the FSIS will be conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that all affected products are properly removed from store shelves. Retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website as they become available, providing transparency to consumers about where these uninspected products were sold. Consumers with questions about the recall are directed to contact Fijian Import & Export Co. Inc. via email. The situation highlights the critical need for vigilance when it comes to food safety and proper import procedures in our nation’s supply chain.
A Pattern of Food Safety Concerns
This recall is part of a troubling pattern of food safety issues that have affected American consumers in recent years. As foreign imports continue to make up an increasing percentage of our food supply, the strain on our inspection resources becomes more apparent. Under President Trump’s leadership, there has been a renewed focus on protecting American consumers from potentially dangerous foreign products. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining and strengthening our food safety systems, particularly for products originating outside the United States.
