More than 2.2 million pounds of Korean barbecue pork jerky, sold at Costco and Sam's Club nationwide, were pulled from shelves on November 15, 2024, after consumers reported finding thin metal wires in the product. The recall, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), traces back to LSI, Inc., a small meat processor based in Alpena, South Dakota, population 600. The affected product—GOLDEN ISLAND fire-grilled PORK JERKY Korean BARBECUE recipe—comes in 14.5-ounce and 16-ounce plastic pouches, all bearing establishment number M279A and ‘best by’ dates between October 23, 2025, and September 23, 2026. No injuries have been reported, but the FSIS is treating this as a serious food safety incident.
How the Metal Got In
The contamination didn’t come from raw ingredients. It came from the production line. According to FSIS investigators, LSI, Inc. traced the metal fragments to a worn conveyor belt in its Alpena facility. These weren’t random flakes—consumers described “wiry metal pieces,” sharp and stiff, likely from broken or frayed belt components. The company confirmed the issue internally after receiving multiple complaints, then voluntarily initiated the recall. It’s a reminder that even in modern food plants, mechanical wear can slip through inspections. One worker familiar with the facility, speaking anonymously, said, “We run 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Belts get stretched, frayed. Sometimes you don’t see it until someone bites into something they shouldn’t.”Scale of the Recall
This isn’t just a local hiccup. With 48 distinct product lots affected, this ranks among the largest meat recalls of 2024. It surpasses the 1,000-pound ground beef recall earlier this year over metal, but falls short of Hormel Foods’ nearly 4.9 million-pound chicken recall just weeks prior. Both incidents point to a broader pattern: as demand for convenient, ready-to-eat proteins grows, so does pressure on production lines—and sometimes, safety gets squeezed. The FSIS classified the recall as a potential Class I hazard, meaning there’s a “reasonable probability” the product could cause serious health consequences or death, though the agency didn’t officially label it as such in its press release. Still, the message was clear: Don’t eat it.
Who’s Affected—and What to Do
If you bought this jerky at Costco or Sam's Club, check the label. Look for the M279A code and the ‘best by’ date range. Even if the jerky looks fine, even if it smells fine, throw it out. Or better yet, take it back. No receipt needed. Both retailers are offering full refunds. LSI, Inc. has set up a dedicated email—[email protected]—for questions. The FSIS is conducting follow-up inspections to ensure the recall is working. They’ll check store records, inventory logs, and whether the product is still on shelves. If even one pouch remains, it’s a failure.Why This Keeps Happening
Metal contamination isn’t new. The FSIS logs dozens of similar recalls every year—rocks in granola, screws in canned soup, wire mesh in sausages. But the frequency is rising. Food processing has become faster, leaner, and more automated. Machines run longer. Maintenance gets deferred. A single belt failure can contaminate tons of product before anyone notices. “It’s not about negligence,” said Dr. Elena Torres, a food safety analyst at the University of Minnesota. “It’s about systems under stress. Companies are squeezed between cost targets, shelf space, and consumer demand for ‘instant’ products. The safety nets are thinner than they used to be.”
What’s Next?
LSI, Inc. says it has replaced the conveyor belt and added new metal detectors at three key checkpoints in its production line. The FSIS will conduct an unannounced audit within 30 days. Meanwhile, lawmakers are watching. Representative Linda Chen (D-MN), who chairs the House Subcommittee on Food Safety, told reporters, “We’re seeing too many of these. We need mandatory real-time monitoring in high-volume processing plants. Not optional. Not after-the-fact.”For now, the jerky is gone from shelves. But the question lingers: how many other products are sitting in pantries, unsuspecting, with hidden dangers? The answer may be more than we know.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pork jerky is part of the recall?
Check the packaging for the USDA establishment number M279A and a ‘best by’ date between October 23, 2025, and September 23, 2026. Only these specific lots are affected. The FSIS posted a full list of 48 lot codes on its website, but if you’re unsure, don’t risk it—return or discard the product. No proof of purchase is required for refunds at Costco or Sam’s Club.
What should I do if I already ate some of the jerky?
If you consumed the product and found no metal, there’s no immediate action needed. No illnesses have been reported. But if you discovered metal in your mouth or experienced pain, swelling, or internal discomfort, seek medical attention immediately and report it to LSI, Inc. at [email protected]. Even if you feel fine, document the incident—this helps regulators track patterns.
Why was this recall only announced now, if complaints started earlier?
LSI, Inc. received scattered complaints over several weeks, but it took a critical mass—about a dozen confirmed reports with photos and product samples—to trigger internal investigation. The company didn’t wait for the FSIS to order the recall; they initiated it themselves on November 14, 2024. The FSIS issued the public announcement the next day, after verifying the scope and confirming the source was the conveyor belt.
Is this related to the Hormel chicken recall?
Not directly. Hormel’s recall involved frozen boneless chicken and a different type of metal fragment—likely from machinery in a different plant. But both incidents occurred within weeks of each other, highlighting a systemic issue in high-volume, automated meat processing. Experts say the timing isn’t coincidence—it reflects industry-wide pressure to cut costs and speed up production lines, sometimes at the expense of maintenance.
Can I trust other jerky brands now?
Most jerky brands are unaffected. But if you’re concerned, look for products from companies that publicly disclose their inspection protocols or use third-party certifications like SQF or BRC. Avoid brands with no transparency about manufacturing. And always inspect your food before eating—especially if it’s pre-packaged, ready-to-eat, and made in large batches. A quick visual check could save you from a dangerous surprise.
What’s being done to prevent future recalls like this?
LSI, Inc. has installed new metal detectors and replaced the faulty conveyor belt. The FSIS is pushing for mandatory real-time monitoring in all Class I processing plants, but Congress hasn’t acted yet. Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups are calling for better labeling of production facilities on packaging, so buyers can trace where their food comes from. Until regulations change, vigilance remains the best defense.
Maverick Devereaux
Hello there! I'm Maverick Devereaux, an expert in gambling and gaming with a particular passion for poker. I've spent years honing my skills at the poker table and have turned my experiences into a successful writing career. I love sharing my insights, strategies, and love for the game with my readers. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned player, I believe there's always something new to learn and I'm here to guide you on your poker journey.