More than 167,000 pounds of meat recalled nationwide
More than 167,000 pounds of beef, pork and goat meat are being recalled nationwide after being produced without required federal inspection, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Star Meat Delivery Inc., based in Lucama, North Carolina, is recalling approximately 167,639 pounds of meat that was distributed to restaurants and retailers nationwide, USDA announced on Tuesday.
The meat was produced on various dates before Sept. 22 and sent to a distributor in Georgia before being distributed to restaurants and retailers across the country.
The USDA said it discovered the problem during a routine check. The recalled products had USDA inspection marks with the establishment number "EST. 1363," but officials said that number is not approved for federal inspection.
No illnesses or injuries linked to the recalled meat have been reported, according to the agency.
What meat is being recalled?
The recall covers a wide range of raw beef, pork and goat products, including sliced ribeye, beef chuck, oxtail, beef short ribs, ground pork, pork chorizo, pork chops, pork ribs, pork feet, pork Boston butt and goat meat.
The products were vacuum-sealed and packed in cardboard boxes before being sent to A&D Foods, a distributor in Georgia.
Identifying the recalled meat may be difficult for some shoppers. The USDA said stores may have repackaged the meat and added their own price and safe-handling labels, meaning products in consumers' refrigerators or freezers may not have the original packaging.
The agency said more products and labels could be added to the recall as officials continue to gather information.
A full list of recalled products and labels is available on the USDA's website.
What should consumers do?
The USDA said it is concerned that some of the recalled meat could still be in consumers' refrigerators and freezers or at restaurants and stores.
Consumers should not eat the recalled meat, and restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell it. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place where they were purchased.
Food that is produced without federal inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants that could pose a health risk, according to the USDA.
Anyone concerned about an illness or injury should contact a health care provider.
ABC News has reached out to Star Meat Delivery Inc. and A&D Foods for comment but did not hear back immediately.
