A widespread food recall alert has been issued across the United States after a popular pork product sold at Aldi was flagged for potential contamination.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), select packages of pork carnitas may contain fragments of metal, prompting a nationwide pork product recall.
The product in question is labeled as “Pork Carnitas SEASONED & SEARED PORK WITH JUICES SLOW COOKED WITH CITRUS” and was sold in 16-ounce sleeved trays. The affected items were produced between April 1 and April 2, 2025, and although they are no longer on Aldi shelves, FSIS warns that some may still be in home refrigerators or freezers.
This serious concern surfaced during a routine equipment check, when the manufacturer discovered damage to processing machinery, suggesting metal shards may have ended up in the food. While no injuries or illnesses have been reported to date, officials are urging customers not to take any chances.
Consumers are advised to check the packaging for use-by dates of “06/30/2025” or “07/01/2025”, and look for the establishment number “Est. 46049” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection. Those in possession of the product should either return it to the store or dispose of it immediately.
The FSIS alert adds, “Anyone concerned about an injury or illness due to consumption of this product should contact a healthcare provider.”
Food contamination issues like these can cause serious gastrointestinal injuries or pose choking hazards, making proactive consumer awareness essential. The USDA’s swift response to the matter emphasizes the importance of routine quality control and the effectiveness of internal checks in catching potential hazards before widespread consequences occur.
This incident also underscores the need for transparency in supply chains and the critical role that food manufacturers play in safeguarding public health. While metal contamination in processed foods is relatively rare, this case serves as a reminder of how delicate the safety net can be.
Aldi has not yet issued a corporate statement in response to the FSIS alert. However, industry experts expect further clarification from the retailer in the coming days, especially as public scrutiny increases.
For now, the USDA encourages everyone who recently shopped at Aldi to double-check their purchases and share the information with friends and family who may have bought the affected product.
For additional information on this recall and future food safety notices, visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website.
