USDA Recalls 167,639 Pounds of Uninspected Meat from North Carolina Firm

Key points

• FSIS announced the recall on September 22, 2026, for 167,639 pounds of raw meat products.
• The products were produced by Star Meat Delivery Inc. in Lucama, North Carolina, without federal inspection.
• Items bore a false establishment number, 'EST. 1363,' which lacks a federal grant of inspection.
• The recall is classified as Class I, indicating a high risk of serious adverse health consequences.
• Products were distributed nationwide through A&D Foods, a distributor in Georgia.
• No confirmed reports of illness or injury have been linked to the consumption of these products.

Background

This recall follows a series of recent meat safety issues, including a Class I recall in August 2026 for nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef that entered the U.S. without required reinspection. In September 2026, the USDA also temporarily lifted tariffs on lean beef trimmings, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of meat supply chains and inspection standards.

How outlets are covering it

Both the primary source (FSIS) and secondary source (Fox9) report identical figures and details, confirming the 167,639-pound volume and the involvement of Star Meat Delivery Inc. and A&D Foods. FSIS emphasizes the regulatory violation of using a false establishment number and the potential for undeclared allergens or harmful bacteria. Fox9 frames the story as a significant safety alert, urging consumers to discard or return affected products, while noting that the recall list may expand as the investigation continues. Neither source reports any illnesses, but both stress the high risk associated with uninspected meat.

Why it matters

This recall underscores the critical importance of federal inspection in ensuring meat safety. The use of a false USDA mark of inspection by a North Carolina firm highlights potential gaps in oversight and the risks consumers face when purchasing meat without proper verification. The nationwide distribution through a major distributor increases the likelihood that affected products have reached retail and restaurant locations, necessitating prompt consumer action to avoid potential health hazards.

What to watch

FSIS will conduct recall effectiveness checks to ensure that Star Meat Delivery Inc. and A&D Foods notify their customers and remove the products from the market. The agency may update the product list as more information becomes available. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for any products bearing the false 'EST. 1363' mark and to discard or return them immediately. Retailers and restaurants are urged to stop selling or serving these items.