Nearly 170,000 Pounds Of Raw Meat Recalled Due To Fake USDA Labels

Nearly 170,000 pounds of raw meat products have been recalled nationwide due to the use of fraudulent USDA inspection labels. The affected products were produced by a facility that is not subject to USDA inspection. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on May 17, 2024, after the company notified FSIS that it had received a quantity of product from a foreign supplier that was not inspected by the U.S. government. The company then applied the USDA inspection mark to these products, misrepresenting them as inspected and passed. This misbranding is a serious concern as it bypasses the critical safety checks that USDA inspection provides, ensuring meat products are handled, processed, and packaged under sanitary conditions and meet federal safety standards. The recalled items include various raw meat products, such as beef, pork, and poultry, which were distributed to institutions and retail locations across the United States. The specific establishment number associated with the fraudulent labeling is "EST. 47711". However, the FSIS has not provided a list of the specific products or their brands, nor has it detailed the exact distribution channels beyond "institutions and retail locations." Consumers are advised to check their freezers and refrigerators for any raw meat products that may have been purchased recently and to verify the presence of a legitimate USDA inspection mark. Products without a proper USDA inspection mark or bearing suspect labeling should not be consumed and should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. The FSIS is working to identify the full scope of the mislabeled products and their distribution. This recall highlights the importance of vigilant oversight in the food supply chain and the potential risks associated with counterfeit labeling. The agency is urging consumers to be aware of the recall and to take appropriate action to ensure their food safety. Further updates and specific product information will be provided by the FSIS as the investigation progresses. The recall emphasizes the critical role of the USDA's inspection process in safeguarding public health by ensuring that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.