A mass recall is underway for more than 2 million pounds of pork jerky sold at Costco and Sam's Club locations across the nation, owing to concerns over potential metal contamination. The product in question is the Korean barbecue pork jerky from LSI Inc., a South Dakota-based company. According to NBC Miami, the recall was prompted after consumers reported finding pieces of metal in their snacks.
The jerky, distributed under the "GOLDEN ISLAND fire-grilled PORK JERKY Korean BARBECUE recipe" label comes in 14.5-oz. and 16-oz. plastic pouches. These packages are marked with “best by” dates ranging from Oct. 23, 2025, through Sept. 23, 2026. It seems the metallic intruders originated from part of the production process – specifically, a conveyor belt used in the making of the jerky. This problem was compounded by multiple complaints received, before the recall was officially issued last Friday.
CBS News states that no injuries have been reported in association with the tainted jerky. However, officials are taking no chances, advising consumers who might have purchased the product to discard it or return it to their place of purchase. Questions regarding the recall can be directed to the company at [email protected], as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
This incident adds to a list of similar recalls in the food industry. Notably, earlier in the year, there was a recall of over 4.9 million pounds of Hormel Foods’ frozen boneless chicken products after reports of metal discovery. To inform the public and ensure all potentially undesired proteins stay out of their meals, a complete list of affected product lot codes for this latest pork jerky recall is available on the USDA's website. In the meantime, LSI, Inc. is likely reevaluating their production protocols to prevent future recalls of such a fantastical, or rather metallic nature.
