Summary (tl;dr)

A significant recall of over 167,000 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat products has been issued nationwide by the USDA due to being produced without federal inspection and bearing false USDA marks.

Essential Background

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are responsible for ensuring the safety and proper labeling of meat, poultry, and egg products. Federal inspection is a critical step to identify potential health hazards, such as harmful bacteria, contaminants, or undeclared allergens, and to ensure products meet regulatory standards before reaching consumers. Products that pass inspection receive a USDA mark.

The Full Story

On September 22, 2026, Star Meat Delivery Inc. of Lucama, North Carolina, initiated a recall of approximately 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat products. The recall was prompted by the discovery, during FSIS surveillance activities, that these products were produced without the required federal inspection, yet were fraudulently labeled with a false USDA mark of inspection, specifically "EST. 1363". These uninspected meats, distributed under the A&D Foods label, were shipped nationwide to various consumers, restaurants, and retailers.

Why It Matters

This is classified as a Class I recall, the most severe category, meaning there is a reasonable probability that consuming these products could lead to serious adverse health consequences or even death. Uninspected meat poses significant risks, including the potential presence of undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that have not been identified or controlled. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with this recall to date, consumers, retailers, and restaurants are strongly advised to discard or return any affected products to prevent potential health issues.

Geographic Location

• Lucama, Wilson County, North Carolina, United States (location of Star Meat Delivery Inc., the recalling establishment)
• Georgia, United States (location of A&D Foods, the distributor)
• United States (nationwide distribution of recalled products to consumers, restaurants, and retailers)