Costco and Sam’s Club Recall Pork Jerky Over Metal Pieces

A South Dakota company has recalled more than 2.3 million pounds of Korean barbecue pork jerky sold at Costco and Sam’s Club locations nationwide after reports that the product may contain small pieces of metal.

The recall, announced on October 24 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), affects Golden Island Korean Barbecue Recipe Fire-Grilled Pork Jerky made by LSI Inc. of Alpena, South Dakota.

According to the FSIS, the company issued the recall after receiving several consumer complaints about finding wiry metal fragments inside packages of the jerky. LSI told federal officials the contamination was traced to a damaged conveyor belt used during the production process.

While no injuries have been reported so far, the FSIS is urging consumers to check their pantries and either throw out or return the affected products immediately.

Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider,” the FSIS said in its recall notice.

What Products Are Affected

The recall applies to 14.5-ounce and 16-ounce resealable plastic pouches of Golden Island Korean Barbecue Recipe Fire-Grilled Pork Jerky.

The products were sold nationwide at Costco and Sam’s Club stores, featuring “Best By” dates ranging from October 23, 2025, through September 23, 2026.

Packages can be identified by the establishment number “M279A” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection on the back of the bag. Consumers should check the side of the packaging for the corresponding lot numbers and best-by dates listed in the recall notice.

Although the full list of lot codes is extensive, affected packages include production runs made between October 2025 and September 2026, totaling more than 2 million pounds of jerky.

The FSIS emphasized that because the jerky has a one-year shelf life, it is concerned that many customers may still have the product stored at home.

What to Do if You Purchased the Product

Consumers who bought the recalled jerky should not eat it, the FSIS said. Instead, they should either dispose of it properly or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.

Anyone who believes they may have been injured or ingested metal fragments should seek medical attention. Customers can also contact LSI Inc. directly for more information about the recall or to report additional concerns.

Company and Agency Response

In its report, LSI Inc. said the contamination was an isolated issue stemming from a malfunctioning conveyor belt in its South Dakota processing plant. The company said it acted “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure public safety.

The FSIS, which oversees the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products in the United States, classified this recall as a Class II recall — meaning the risk of serious injury is remote, but the presence of metal fragments still presents a potential hazard.

The agency has been monitoring production facilities closely and said there is no evidence of additional contamination beyond the identified lots.

No Injuries Reported — But Risk Remains

While there have been no confirmed injuries or hospitalizations related to the jerky, small metal pieces in food can pose significant health risks, including cuts to the mouth and throat, internal injuries, or choking.

The FSIS said that even though the chance of widespread harm appears low, the recall’s scale — involving millions of pounds of jerky sold through major warehouse retailers — makes it essential for consumers to stay alert.

We want to ensure that all potentially contaminated products are removed from circulation,” the agency said. “Food safety remains our top priority.

How to Identify Safe Products

If you purchased Golden Island Korean Barbecue Pork Jerky, check the USDA inspection label and best-by date. Safe, unaffected products will either carry a different establishment number or fall outside the listed production dates.

Consumers who frequently buy bulk jerky products are encouraged to verify any stored items before consuming them, especially since the recalled jerky may have been purchased months ago.

To see the complete list of lot numbers and best-by dates, visit the official FSIS recall website or the company’s customer support page.

Recent Food Safety Concerns

The jerky recall is the latest in a string of major food recalls in 2025 involving potential contamination. Earlier this year, large quantities of smoked salmon and egg products were also recalled nationwide for separate safety concerns.

Food safety experts say these incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining quality control in large-scale food production, especially as automation and conveyor systems become more widespread.

A Reminder to Stay Vigilant

The FSIS advises consumers to regularly check recall notices and follow proper food safety practices, including inspecting packaging for signs of tampering or unusual textures before eating.

Anyone with questions about the pork jerky recall can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or visit fsis.usda.gov/recalls for up-to-date information.

Though no one has been injured, officials stress that vigilance is key. As the FSIS put it: “If you’re not sure, don’t eat it.”