More Than 167,000 Pounds of Meat Recalled After Bypassing USDA Inspection

More than 167,000 pounds of raw beef, pork and goat meat are being recalled nationwide after federal officials found the products were produced without required USDA inspection and carried a false inspection mark.

The recall involves Star Meat Delivery Inc. of Lucama, North Carolina. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), approximately 167,639 pounds of meat were produced before Sept. 22 and distributed through Georgia-based A&D Foods to retailers and restaurants across the country.

False USDA inspection mark

The affected products carried a USDA inspection mark displaying “EST. 1363.” FSIS said that establishment number does not have a federal grant of inspection.

The recalled products include beef ribs, ribeye, oxtail, ground pork, pork chops, chorizo, pork feet and various goat products. Some packages may have been relabeled by retailers, meaning consumers may not see the original A&D Foods labeling.

FSIS said meat produced without inspection could contain harmful bacteria, undeclared allergens or other contaminants and has warned consumers not to eat the recalled products.

The USDA said the products should be considered misbranded and unsafe to eat.

No illnesses reported

So far, no confirmed illnesses or injuries have been linked to the recalled meat. The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance.

Consumers who believe they purchased affected products should not eat them and should either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Restaurants and retailers have also been instructed not to sell or serve the products.

Star Meat Delivery has disputed the characterization of the inspection number, saying the number had been legitimately reserved during its USDA application process and that the meat itself came from a USDA-inspected supplier. The company said it is cooperating with authorities.