Pork Carnitas Public Health Alert: Important Consumer Information
Location: WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert concerning certain pork carnitas products suspected of being contaminated with foreign materials, specifically metal fragments. These products were distributed to Aldi supermarkets across the country.
Details of the Health Alert
The pork carnitas in question were manufactured between April 1 and April 2, 2025. FSIS has opted not to enforce a recall as these products are no longer available for sale.
Product Information
- Product Description: 16-oz. sleeved tray packages labeled as “Pork Carnitas seasoned & seared with juices slow cooked with citrus.”
- Use By Dates: “06/30/2025” or “07/01/2025” found on the side of the packaging.
- Establishment Number: These products are marked with the establishment number “Est. 46049” within the USDA inspection mark.
Potential Risks and Recommendations
Currently, there have been no verified reports of injuries associated with the consumption of these contaminated pork products. However, individuals who may be concerned about potential effects are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
Consumer Guidance
Although the affected items are no longer available for purchase, FSIS expresses concern that some consumers might still possess these products in their homes. Customers who purchased the affected pork carnitas are strongly advised to:
- Dispose of: Any remaining product to prevent potential health risks.
- Return: Items to the store from which they were purchased for a full refund.
Background of the Alert
This contamination issue surfaced when the manufacturing facility informed FSIS about damage to their equipment. This equipment malfunction raised alarms regarding the safety of the pork carnitas, leading to the public health alert.
Conclusion
While the alert poses no immediate danger to public health due to the unavailability of the product, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance regarding food safety. Consumers should always be aware of product recalls and alerts to ensure their safety.
