Alarm in the US: Absolutely Do Not Consume These Labels!

A food‑safety alarm was issued in the United States. More than 167,639 pounds of raw meat products, identified as having been produced without federal inspection and bearing a counterfeit USDA inspection mark on their packaging, were recalled nationwide.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that raw pork, beef, and goat meat products manufactured by North Carolina‑based Star Meat Delivery Inc. are subject to recall.

Counterfeit USDA Inspection Mark Detected

According to officials, the products were manufactured without the required federal inspection, and the packaging bore the number “EST. 1363,” which gives the impression of USDA approval.

However, the USDA stated that the number does not carry any valid federal inspection authority. Consequently, the products were deemed mislabeled and unsafe for consumption.

Under federal regulations, commercially sold meat products must undergo inspection to confirm that they are safe, healthy, and properly labeled.

Recall at the Highest Risk Level

The recall has been classified by the USDA as "Class I", meaning first‑class recall. This category represents the highest level of health risk the agency uses in recalls.

According to the USDA, this classification is used when the product’s consumption poses a reasonably high likelihood of serious health problems or death.

No confirmed cases of illness or injury linked to the recalled products have been reported so far.

23 Different Products Listed

The recall covers a total of 23 distinct products, including sliced ribeye, beef tail, short ribs, goat meat, and ground pork.

It was reported that the meats were produced on different dates before September 22 and shipped to the distribution company A&D Foods in the state of Georgia. It was noted that the products were then distributed to retailers and restaurants from there.

It was recorded that the products were prepared in vacuum‑sealed packages and shipped in cardboard boxes.

Attention to the “EST. 1363” number on the labels

The USDA warned consumers and businesses in particular about the “EST. 1363” number. However, it was noted that some stores may have pasted their own price and usage labels over the products, so the number might not appear on every package.

Officials emphasized that the recalled products should not be consumed and requested that they be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

The USDA also warned that the meats in question could contain unreported allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that could jeopardize consumer health.

Issue surfaced during routine inspection

It was reported that the incident emerged during a routine food safety inspection.

Star Meat Delivery, in a statement, asserted that the recalled meats were sourced from a supplier inspected by the USDA. The company said it was in the USDA approval process to provide additional cutting and packaging services for customers outside the state.

The company also said the recall was limited to products processed and packaged while the approval process was ongoing for a meat distributor in Georgia, and that its other products were not affected by the recall.

Officials urged consumers who may have purchased meats within the recall to absolutely refrain from consuming them, and advised those concerned about their health to seek medical care.