.More than 83 tons of raw pork, beef, and goat products tied to a Georgia distributor have been recalled nationwide after federal officials said the meat was shipped with fake USDA inspection marks and without required federal inspection.
Georgia Meat Recall: What To Know
Star Meat Delivery Inc., based in Lucama, North Carolina, is recalling about 167,639 pounds of products produced on various dates before Sept. 22, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said in a Sept. 22 announcement.
The agency classified the recall as Class I, its highest risk level, and said the amount could grow as the investigation continues.
The products were vacuum-sealed, packed in cardboard boxes, and shipped to A&D Foods, a Georgia distributor, for delivery to retail stores and restaurants across the country. FSIS said the packages carried a false mark of inspection with the establishment number “EST. 1363,” which does not have a federal grant of inspection.
Some consumer packages may not show that number, because stores may have covered original labeling with their own price and handling stickers. Any product bearing “EST. 1363” should be treated as misbranded and unsafe to eat, the agency said.
Items subject to the recall include goat cuts, sliced ribeye, beef chuck, oxtail, short ribs, shanks, ground pork, pork chorizo, pork chops, pork feet, rib pieces, Boston butt, menudo mix, and pork hocks, among others, sold in bulk under the A&D Foods label.
FSIS said the problem was found during routine surveillance. No illnesses or injuries have been confirmed. Officials warned that meat produced without inspection can carry undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants. Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve the products and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
Star Meat Delivery disputed the characterization of the stamps as falsified. In a Facebook statement, the company said “EST. 1363” was “legitimately reserved” during its USDA application to process and package meat for the Georgia distributor, and that the meat came from a USDA-inspected supplier.
The company said approval is still pending, that no other products it sells are part of the recall, and that it is cooperating with authorities. USDA did not immediately respond to that statement, according to AtlantaFi.com.
A spokesperson for A&D Foods told reporters that the company coordinated with USDA and notified customers after learning of the recall. “The safety and the integrity of the products we distribute are among our highest priorities,” the spokesperson said, adding that no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the products.
It is not clear whether anyone has been arrested or charged. Consumers with questions can contact Star Meat Delivery at 252-239-0610 or starmeatdelivery@gmail.com, or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. Product labels and the recall notice are posted on the FSIS website.
