Over 2.2 million pounds of pork jerky sold nationwide through Costco and Sam’s Club have been recalled after reports of metal contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a Class I recall—its most serious classification—stating there is a reasonable probability the product could cause serious health issues or death if consumed.
The affected product is Golden Island Fire-Grilled Pork Jerky with the Korean Barbecue recipe. Sold in 14.5-ounce and 16-ounce pouches, the jerky was distributed across the U.S. under establishment number M279A, marked inside the USDA inspection label. The recall covers best-by dates from October 23, 2025, through September 23, 2026.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed the contamination originated from a conveyor belt used during production. Metal fragments described as “wiry” were found inside the packaging. Although no injuries have been reported as of yet, the USDA urges consumers not to consume the product. Any affected packages should be discarded or returned to the retailer.
This recall underscores the importance of food safety vigilance, even at trusted retail giants. With processed protein snacks like jerky becoming increasingly popular among working families and health-conscious consumers, incidents like this raise questions about oversight and manufacturing standards.
