Massive Korean BBQ Pork Jerky Recall Issued Over Metal Contamination

WASHINGTON D.C. – October 27, 2025 – A South Dakota-based company has announced a widespread recall of more than 2.2 million pounds (approximately 998,000 kilograms) of Korean barbecue pork jerky due to the potential presence of metal wire pieces within the product. The affected jerky was primarily distributed through major warehouse retailers, Costco and Sam's Club, across the United States. Federal health officials issued a public warning on Friday, urging consumers to immediately check their purchases and dispose of or return any contaminated product.

The recall highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and the integrity of the supply chain, as incidents of foreign material contamination can pose significant health risks to consumers. Authorities are investigating how the metal wire may have entered the food product.

Millions of Pounds Affected

The voluntary recall impacts a substantial quantity of the popular Korean barbecue pork jerky. The precise company name has been withheld pending further investigation details from federal regulators, though initial reports confirm its South Dakota origin. The product was sold in large, multi-pound bags, typical for warehouse club stores, making the total volume of potentially affected product considerable.

"The presence of foreign materials, particularly metal, in food products is a serious public health concern," stated a representative from a federal health agency, who requested anonymity as the investigation is ongoing. "Such contaminants can cause choking, internal injuries, or dental damage." Consumers who have purchased Korean barbecue pork jerky from Costco or Sam's Club in recent months are advised to exercise extreme caution.

Potential Health Hazards

The primary concern associated with metal contamination in food is the risk of physical injury upon consumption. Small, sharp pieces of metal wire can lead to lacerations in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. In severe cases, ingestion could require medical intervention. While no specific reports of illness or injury directly linked to this recall have been widely publicized yet, the proactive measure underscores the gravity of the potential risk.

Food safety experts emphasize that even small pieces of foreign material can cause significant harm. "Manufacturers have strict protocols to prevent such incidents, but occasional lapses can occur," explained Dr. Evelyn Reed, a food safety consultant. "It's crucial for consumers to heed these warnings seriously."

Consumer Action Required

Consumers who have purchased Korean barbecue pork jerky are advised to check the product's packaging for lot numbers and expiration dates that may be included in the official recall notice. Once released, this information will be critical for identifying affected products.

What to Do:

• Do Not Consume: If you have the recalled product, do not eat it.
• Inspect Packaging: Look for specific batch codes or production dates as soon as the full recall details are released by the company or federal agencies.
• Return or Dispose: Consumers can typically return recalled food items to the place of purchase for a full refund. Alternatively, securely dispose of the product to prevent accidental consumption by humans or pets.
• Stay Informed: Monitor official announcements from federal health agencies for updates on the recall, including specific product identifiers and any further instructions.

Understanding Food Recalls

Food recalls are a common mechanism used by manufacturers and regulatory bodies to remove unsafe food products from the market. They are typically initiated when there is a reasonable probability that the consumption of a food product will cause health consequences or death. Recalls can be voluntary, initiated by the company, or mandated by government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) depending on the type of product.

This particular incident falls under the purview of agencies that regulate meat products, indicating a thorough investigation into the manufacturing processes, quality control measures, and potential points of contamination at the South Dakota facility. The prompt action by the company and federal officials aims to mitigate widespread health impacts.

Company Statement and Ongoing Investigation

At the time of this report, the specific South Dakota company involved has not yet issued a detailed public statement beyond initiating the recall. Federal investigators are likely working closely with the company to identify the root cause of the contamination, assess the scope of the problem, and ensure corrective actions are put in place to prevent future occurrences. The focus remains on consumer safety and maintaining trust in the food supply chain.