Thousands of bags of pork jerky sold at major retailers, including Costco and Sam's Club, have been recalled due to mislabeling that could pose a risk to consumers with allergies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Golden Island Jerky Company is recalling several lots of its ready-to-eat pork jerky products after discovering undeclared ingredients.
The recall was issued when it was found that certain batches of the company's teriyaki pork jerky contained soy and wheat, two major allergens that were not listed on the packaging. Both ingredients can cause serious allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. So far, no illnesses or injuries have been reported.
The affected products were produced earlier this year and shipped to retail locations nationwide, including Costco and Sam's Club warehouses. The jerky was sold in various package sizes and flavors, but only certain lots are included in the recall. Consumers can identify the recalled products by checking the lot numbers and "best by" dates listed in the official FSIS notice.
Customers who purchased the recalled jerky are urged not to eat it. Instead, they should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consuming food that contains undeclared allergens can lead to severe or even life-threatening reactions, especially in people with soy or wheat allergies.
Golden Island Jerky Company has stated that it is cooperating with federal food safety officials to identify how the labeling error occurred and to strengthen its allergen control procedures. Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected products from their shelves.
The FSIS encourages consumers to regularly review recall alerts and keep an eye out for updates on the agency's official website. Anyone who experiences an allergic reaction after consuming the recalled jerky should seek medical attention immediately.
