A substantial food safety recall is affecting millions of pounds of popular pork jerky products sold at major warehouse retailers across the United States. Federal health authorities announced Friday that a South Dakota-based meat processing company is voluntarily removing more than 2.2 million pounds of Korean barbecue-flavored pork jerky from store shelves due to potential metal contamination.
WHAT PRODUCTS ARE AFFECTED
LSI, Inc., operating from Alpena, South Dakota, initiated the voluntary recall after receiving multiple customer complaints reporting discovery of metallic wire pieces embedded in the jerky products. According to statements from company representatives, the contaminating metal originated from a conveyor belt used during the manufacturing process. Federal agriculture officials emphasized that while the contamination poses a potential hazard, no confirmed injuries have been reported thus far.
The affected products consist of 14.5-ounce and 16-ounce plastic pouches marketed under the brand name “Golden Island fire-grilled pork jerky Korean barbecue recipe.” Approximately four dozen production lots are included in this recall action. The jerky products carry a one-year shelf life, with best-by dates spanning from October 23, 2025, through September 23, 2026.
Consumers can identify recalled products by locating the establishment number M279A stamped inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture mark of inspection on package labeling. This identification number helps distinguish affected products from safe inventory that may still be available for purchase. The recalled jerky was distributed through two major warehouse club retailers: Costco and Sam’s Club. These high-volume stores typically serve millions of customers nationwide, suggesting the contaminated product reached a wide geographic distribution before the recall announcement.
WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD DO
Health officials strongly advise consumers who purchased the affected jerky products to take immediate action. The recalled items should not be consumed under any circumstances. Customers have two options for handling recalled products: they can either dispose of the jerky immediately or return the items to their original point of purchase for a full refund.
The recall serves as a reminder that consumers should carefully inspect food products before consumption and remain vigilant for anything unusual in appearance or texture. Any concerns about product quality or safety should be reported directly to manufacturers.
While this particular recall involves metal contamination from manufacturing equipment, food safety experts note that various types of foreign material contamination occasionally occur throughout the American food production system. Common contaminants include rocks, sticks, insect parts, and other extraneous materials that inadvertently enter products during harvesting, processing, or packaging stages.
UNDERSTANDING THE SOURCE
The source of contamination in this case—deteriorating conveyor belt material—highlights the critical importance of regular equipment maintenance and inspection in food processing facilities. Industrial food production relies on complex machinery operating continuously under demanding conditions. Equipment failure or degradation can introduce dangerous contaminants into food products if not detected and addressed promptly.
Federal regulations require food manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality control systems and conduct regular equipment inspections. When equipment failures do occur, companies must act swiftly to identify affected products and remove them from commerce.
Food safety professionals emphasize the importance of consumer reporting when foreign materials are discovered in food products. These reports help manufacturers identify problems in their production processes and implement corrective measures before widespread distribution occurs. Early consumer notification can prevent larger-scale contamination incidents and protect public health.
As LSI, Inc. works to resolve the equipment issues that caused this contamination, consumers should remain alert for additional information from the company and federal regulators. Anyone with questions about the recall should contact the manufacturer directly or consult the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website for updated information and guidance.
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