Major Costco Recalls: Pork Jerky and Ready-to-Eat Meals Pulled Over Contamination Fears

Costco faces two significant product recalls affecting popular food items. The first involves Golden Island pork jerky potentially contaminated with metal fragments. The second concerns ready-to-eat Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwich kits containing possible plastic pieces.

These recalls impact products distributed nationwide through Costco warehouses. Both were initiated after consumer complaints and immediate investigations by manufacturers and food safety authorities.

Pork Jerky Recall: Metal Fragment Concerns

LSI, Inc. recalled approximately 2.2 million pounds of Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky. The recall was announced on October 24, 2025. The action followed multiple consumer reports of finding metal pieces in the product.

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the contamination originated from conveyor belt equipment. The affected jerky was shipped to Costco and Sam’s Club locations across the United States. Products bear establishment number “M279A” inside the USDA inspection mark.

Consumers should check for 14.5-ounce and 16-ounce pouches with specific best-by dates. These dates range from October 2025 through September 2026. No confirmed injuries have been reported, but customers should not consume the product.

Ready-to-Eat Meal Recall: Plastic Contamination

Costco separately recalled Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwich products in early November. The recall resulted from plastic fragments found in salad dressing manufactured by Ventura Foods. The contamination affected products distributed to multiple U.S. regions.

Affected items include Caesar Salad with Lot 19927 and Chicken Sandwich with Lot 11444. These products feature sell-by dates from mid-October to early November 2025. They were available at Costco warehouses in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast.

Food safety experts note plastic contamination poses serious health risks. These include potential choking hazards and internal injuries if ingested. Costco advises customers to return affected products for full refunds.

Broader Food Safety Implications

These consecutive recalls highlight ongoing challenges in food production safety. Both incidents involved foreign object contamination from manufacturing equipment. This pattern underscores the need for enhanced quality control measures throughout the supply chain.

Industry analysts note that mechanical failures often contribute to such contamination events. Regular equipment maintenance and stricter supplier oversight could help prevent future incidents. These recalls serve as important reminders for both manufacturers and consumers.

The food industry continues to address safety vulnerabilities in mass production. Recent incidents have prompted calls for improved monitoring systems and faster response protocols when issues are detected.

Thought you’d like to know

What specific Golden Island pork jerky products are recalled?

The recall affects 14.5-ounce and 16-ounce pouches of Golden Island fire-grilled pork jerky Korean barbecue recipe. Look for establishment number “M279A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Best-by dates range from October 23, 2025, to September 23, 2026.

Which Costco locations sold the recalled salad and sandwich products?

The affected Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwich products were distributed to Costco warehouses in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Customers should check product lot numbers and sell-by dates. Lot numbers are 19927 for Caesar Salad and 11444 for Chicken Sandwich.

Have any injuries been reported from these contaminated products?

No confirmed injuries have been reported in connection with either recall. However, consumers are urged to discard or return the affected products immediately. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

What should I do if I purchased one of these recalled products?

Do not consume the product. You can return it to any Costco location for a full refund. Alternatively, dispose of the product safely to prevent accidental consumption.

How did metal fragments get into the pork jerky?

The Food Safety and Inspection Service determined metal fragments came from conveyor belt equipment. The fragments entered the product during the manufacturing process. The company has addressed the equipment issue.

Are other retailers affected by these recalls?

The pork jerky recall also affects Sam’s Club locations nationwide. The Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwich recall appears limited to Costco warehouses. Always check product labels and lot numbers regardless of purchase location.