Nationwide Recall Following Inspection Failure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a nationwide recall of approximately 167,639 pounds of raw beef, pork, and goat products produced by Star Meat Delivery Inc. of Lucama, North Carolina. The recall, initiated on September 23, 2026, stems from the discovery that these products were processed without federal inspection, violating the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
Authorities have designated this a Class I recall, the highest risk classification defined by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This status indicates a reasonable probability that consumption of the products could lead to serious adverse health consequences or death. As of the announcement date, the FSIS reported that there have been no confirmed illnesses or injuries associated with the recalled meat.
Identifying Affected Products
The recalled items were distributed in bulk to A&D Foods in Duluth, Georgia, before being disseminated to various retailers and restaurants across the United States. A primary indicator for consumers, retailers, and food service operators is the establishment number “EST. 1363,” which investigators have identified as a false mark of inspection.
The products were vacuum-sealed and packaged in cardboard boxes. Because the items may have been relabeled with retailer-specific stickers upon arrival at their final destinations, the FSIS urges stakeholders to verify the origin of all meat bearing the A&D Foods label. The list of recalled items includes a wide array of products, such as beef oxtail, pork chorizo, ground pork, and various goat cuts. The FSIS maintains a full list of identified labels for public reference.
Regulatory and Health Implications
The FSIS discovered the issue during routine surveillance activities, noting that the products lacked the “safe, wholesome, and properly labeled” certification required by law. The absence of federal oversight means these products may harbor undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that pose significant risks to public safety.
The FSIS has issued a clear directive: consumers should not consume these products, and retailers or restaurants must refrain from selling or serving them. Affected items should be discarded immediately or returned to the point of purchase. Consumers experiencing health concerns following the consumption of these products are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately.