Over 160,000 Pounds of Meat Recalled Due to Lack of Inspection, Receives Highest Risk Level From USDA
- Star Meat Delivery Inc. is under fire for selling nearly 168,000 pounds of meat that completely bypassed federal safety inspections.
- The USDA slapped the recall with a Class I rating—the highest risk level—citing a reasonable probability of serious illness or death.
- Products were allegedly stamped with a fake USDA inspection mark, making them 'misbranded' and potentially teeming with hidden contaminants.
- Recalled goods were funneled through a Georgia-based distributor and shipped to retailers and restaurants nationwide.
Brief Summary
The USDA has issued a massive Class I recall for over 167,000 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat products sourced from North Carolina-based Star Meat Delivery Inc. The agency claims the meat was processed without federal oversight and bore fraudulent inspection marks, essentially bypassing the basic safety protocols meant to prevent contaminated food from reaching your dinner plate. While the company claims they were simply awaiting paperwork, the USDA isn't buying it, labeling the situation a severe health hazard. The distributor, A&D Foods, is scrambling to pull the products from commerce, but the meat has already been shipped across the country to various retailers and restaurants.
Why This Matters
If you’ve purchased meat products—specifically those labeled with establishment number 'EST. 1363' or sold under the 'A&D Foods' brand—check your freezer immediately. Because these products lacked federal inspection, they could harbor dangerous bacteria or allergens that standard testing is designed to catch. Even if you haven't felt sick yet, the risk of foodborne illness is significant enough that the USDA is advising immediate disposal or return of the products. If you frequently dine out or buy pre-packaged meat from local specialty shops, stay vigilant about the source of your protein; when in doubt, throw it out.