The Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky sold at Costco and Sam’s Club has been recalled nationwide due to metal contamination concerns. Over 2.2 million pounds of fire-grilled pork jerky packaged in plastic pouches are affected. Consumers are urged to check their pantries, discard or return recalled products, and understand their consumer rights regarding food safety hazards.
Details of the Golden Island Recall
The recall, announced on October 24 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), covers:
- Golden Island fire-grilled pork jerky
- Plastic pouches of 14.5-oz. and 16-oz.
- Best-by dates from October 23, 2025, to September 23, 2026
- Establishment number M279A printed on the packaging
The affected jerky includes the Korean barbecue pork jerky recipe and may contain metal fragments, metal pieces, or other foreign objects. The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that all recalled products are removed from store shelves and consumer homes.
Consumers who purchased these products at Costco Wholesale Westgate or Sam’s Club are advised not to eat the jerky and to either discard it or return it for a full refund.
Health Risks of Contaminated Jerky
Consumption of Golden Island fire-grilled pork jerky with metal fragments or metal pieces can cause:
- Mouth or throat injuries
- Choking hazards
- Digestive tract damage
- Tooth damage
While no injuries have been reported, the presence of foreign matter creates a serious food safety hazard. Consumers should exercise caution, particularly when serving ready-to-eat Korean barbecue pork jerky to children or elderly individuals.
Actions Consumers Should Take
If you have purchased the affected Golden Island Korean BBQ pork jerky, follow these steps:
- Check the plastic pouch for establishment number M279A and best-by dates.
- Do not eat the jerky under any circumstances.
- Discard or return the affected product to Costco or Sam’s Club for a full refund.
- Keep records of your purchase in case of consumer complaints or potential legal action.
- Contact LSI, Inc. at info@goldenislandjerky.com or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) for additional guidance.
Corporate Responsibility and Legal Implications
LSI, Inc. has voluntarily recalled the affected Golden Island pork jerky and is actively notifying consumers. While no class action lawsuits have been filed yet, similar recalls have sometimes led to litigation if contaminated food causes harm.
Large retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club are monitored closely during these events to ensure compliance with food safety regulations enforced by the Food Safety and Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Consumers have the right to seek compensation if the recalled product causes injury or financial loss.
Understanding the Scope of the Recall
The recall affects various lot codes and best-by dates, making it important for consumers to carefully inspect their products. Key identifiers include:
- 14.5-oz. and 16-oz. plastic pouches
- Fire-grilled pork jerky labeled as Golden Island Korean BBQ pork jerky
- Establishment number M279A
- Best by dates ranging from October 23, 2025, to September 23, 2026
Even unopened plastic pouches can contain foreign objects or metal wire fragments, making consumption dangerous. Food safety experts recommend immediate disposal or return.
Broader Consumer Safety Context
Recalls like this highlight the importance of food safety and consumer vigilance. Other notable examples include Costco’s Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes lawsuit over PFAS contamination. Federal agencies such as the USDA, FSIS, and the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline provide guidance to ensure shelf life management, food safety hazard prevention, and the protection of children’s safety.
Consumers should always verify product identification, including establishment number, lot codes, and best-by dates, to determine if a product is part of a recall.
Ted Law: Protecting Consumer Rights
At Ted Law Firm, we help clients understand their rights under federal consumer protection laws. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg.we assist consumers affected by recalls, contaminated food, and product safety violations. While LSI, Inc. has taken proactive steps, consumers may have rights to legal remedies if the Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky or other products caused injury, required medical attention, or financial loss.Contact us today for a free consultation.
