Star Meat Delivery Inc. has announced a recall of approximately 167,639 pounds of raw beef, pork, and goat. This decision comes per an alert from the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The products were produced without federal inspection and were falsely marked with a USDA inspection symbol.
Details of the Recall
The recall notice is classified as Class I, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the products could lead to serious health consequences or death. Consumers should look for products labeled with the number “EST. 1363” and avoid consumption.
This year has seen numerous recalls across the country due to possible health risks, contamination, and undeclared allergens. Recently, concerns over undeclared soy triggered a recall of J. HIGGS brand loaded bacon and cheddar potato chips.
Specifics of the Recalled Products
The FSIS list includes various beef, pork, and goat products distributed by A&D Foods to restaurants and retail locations nationwide. These products are packaged in vacuum-sealed bags inside cardboard boxes. Retail stores may have used other labels for individual consumer packages. The alert identifies the following affected items:
- GOAT CUT 1-1/2″ 10.00 LBS
- GOAT BURN SKIN ON CUT 1-1/2″ 10.00 LBS
- SLICE RIBEYE 4oz 10.00 LBS
- BEEF CHUCK THIN SLICED KBQ 4 MM 20.00 LBS
- BEEF OXTAIL CUT 10.00 LBS
- BEEF SHORT RIBS SLD 3/8″ REGULAR 10.00 LBS
- SHANKS BONE IN CUT 1.5 10.00 LBS
- PORK GROUND 10.00 LBS
- PORK CHORIZO 10.00 LBS
- PORK CHOP B/I 10.00 LBS
- PORK FEET CUT 8 PCS 10.00 LBS
- PORK FEET CUT 6 PCS 10.00 LBS
- PORK RIB PIECES PREM 1″ 10.00 LBS
- PORK BOSTON DICED 10.00 LBS
- PORK BOSTON SLICE 1 INCH 20.00 LBS
- Menudo Mix 30.00 LBS
- PORK BOSTON THIN SLICED 3.5MM 20.00 LBS
- PORK HOCK SLICED 10.00 LBS
- Beef Ribs 4Bone 2″ C. Cut P/Caldo
- Beef Short Rib Thin Sliced
- Pork Boston Butt Sliced 4MM
- Beef Short Ribs SLD 3/8″ Premium C. Cut
- Beef Feet Cut
Health and Safety Considerations
FSIS surveillance activities uncovered the issue, highlighting risks like undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or contaminants present in food made without inspection. Links to specific labels are available for consumers to confirm affected items.
Consumers, retailers, and restaurant owners must check their inventories and refrain from consuming or selling these products. Items should be returned to their purchase location or discarded.
Impact on Food Safety
Recent recalls have raised concerns about the safety of food systems. Keith Schneider, a food safety professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, clarifies that recalls demonstrate the effective functioning of food safety systems. He emphasizes the inevitability of some level of risk, as food is grown outside, handled by people, and sometimes consumed raw. The focus should be on promptly identifying and addressing problems to mitigate impact.