The USDA has announced a Class I recall of 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef and goat products produced without federal inspection and bearing a false inspection mark, "EST. 1363." The recall involves 23 items shipped via A&D Foods to restaurants and retailers and includes cuts such as sliced ribeye, oxtail, short ribs and ground pork. Consumers are urged not to eat affected products, which may contain allergens or harmful bacteria, and should discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
USDA Recalls 167,639 Pounds of Meat After False "EST. 1363" Inspection Marks Found
A local shopper searches for meat products at a supermarket in South Burlington, Vermont, on Monday. - Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a nationwide recall of 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef and goat products after finding they were produced without proper federal inspection and bore a false USDA mark of inspection.
Who recalled the products: Star Meat Delivery Inc., based in Lucama, North Carolina, issued the recall. The products were shipped through A&D Foods, a distributor in Georgia, before being sent to restaurants and retail outlets.
What Was Recalled
The recall covers 23 individual items — including sliced ribeye, beef oxtail cuts, beef short ribs, goat cuts and ground pork — produced on several dates prior to Sept. 22. A full list of affected labels and products is available in the USDA's online statement.
Why The Recall Was Issued
The products bore a false inspection identifier, "EST. 1363," which the USDA says does not have a federal grant of inspection. Because the meat was produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the items are considered misbranded and unsafe to eat.
Health Risk
The Food Safety and Inspection Service classified the recall as Class I, the agency's most serious designation, indicating there is a reasonable probability that consuming the products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The USDA warned the meat could contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants.
What Consumers Should Do
The USDA urged anyone who purchased the affected products not to consume them. Consumers should discard the meat or return it to the place of purchase. If you have health concerns after consuming any of these products, contact your healthcare provider.
How the Issue Was Found
Inspectors discovered the problem during a routine food safety inspection. The affected items were vacuum-sealed and packed in cardboard boxes for shipment. The agency noted that some packages may not visibly display the false "EST. 1363" mark if retailers placed pricing or handling stickers over original labels.
To date, there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury linked to this recall. CNN has reached out to Star Meat Delivery Inc. and A&D Foods for comment.
Note: For the full list of recalled products and images of packaging, check the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announcement.
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