Over 160,000 pounds of raw meat recalled for bogus USDA inspection marks

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Federal food safety officials have announced a nationwide recall of more than 160,000 pounds of raw meat products distributed with unauthorized inspection labels.

The action covers 167,639 pounds of raw beef, pork and goat handled by North Carolina supplier Star Meat Delivery, according to an alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Regulators discovered the products carried federal inspection stamps reading “Est. 1363” — an establishment number that does not hold a federal inspection grant.

Investigators noted the meat was packaged in vacuum-sealed cardboard cartons under the A&D Foods brand prior to Sept. 22. The goods were sent to Georgia distributor A&D Foods, which then transported the items to grocery stores and dining establishments across the country. In some instances, individual retail stores may have placed their own pricing and identification tags over the product packaging.

The recall encompasses over 20 distinct cuts, such as chorizo, pork chops and beef short ribs.

While health authorities have received no reports of sickness connected to the goods, uninspected meats carry contamination risks, including harmful bacteria and undisclosed allergens.

Federal inspectors uncovered the violation during regular monitoring operations. Officials warn the products could still sit in consumer or commercial freezers and advise anyone who has them to discard the meat or seek a refund from the seller.