More Than 2 Million Pounds of Jerky Sold At Costco, Sam’s Club Recalled Nationwide

# More Than 2 Million Pounds of Jerky Sold At Costco, Sam’s Club Recalled Nationwide

Beef jerky is a go-to snack for many. It’s a protein-packed, convenient option for road trips, hikes, or just a quick bite at your desk. That’s why news of a major recall can be so concerning. Recently, a massive recall was announced involving **more than 2 million pounds of jerky sold at Costco, Sam’s Club, and other retailers nationwide**. This isn’t a minor issue; it’s a significant food safety event that requires immediate attention from consumers.

The recall, initiated by Boyd Specialties, LLC, stems from the products being produced without the benefit of federal inspection, raising serious health concerns, including the potential for *Listeria monocytogenes* contamination. If you’ve purchased jerky recently, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: which products are affected, the health risks involved, and exactly what you should do next.

## What’s Behind the Nationwide Jerky Recall?

Food recalls are issued to protect the public from potentially harmful products. This particular recall is extensive, covering a wide variety of jerky products distributed across the country over several years. Understanding the specifics is the first step in ensuring your family’s safety.

### The Company and the Scope of the Recall

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that California-based Boyd Specialties, LLC, is recalling approximately 1,634,354 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products. The core issue is that these items were produced and distributed without being presented for federal inspection.

Federal inspection is a critical step in the food production process. It ensures that the facility, ingredients, and final products meet strict safety and sanitation standards designed to prevent foodborne illnesses. By skipping this crucial oversight, there’s no guarantee the products are safe for consumption.

The recalled jerky products were produced on various dates between January 1, 2020, and February 15, 2024, highlighting the long-term nature of the issue.

### The Serious Risk: Potential Listeria Contamination

While the primary reason for the recall is the lack of inspection, this leads to a significant secondary risk: contamination with harmful bacteria like *Listeria monocytogenes*.

*Listeria* is a dangerous bacterium that can thrive in food processing environments. When ingested, it can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Unlike some other bacteria, *Listeria* can grow even in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator.

Symptoms of a *Listeria* infection can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after eating contaminated food. Common signs include:

* Fever and muscle aches
* Headache and stiff neck
* Confusion and loss of balance
* Convulsions
* Nausea and diarrhea

Listeriosis is especially dangerous for certain high-risk groups, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those undergoing cancer treatment or living with HIV/AIDS). In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening illness in the newborn.

## Is Your Jerky Part of the Recall? Here’s How to Check

With millions of pounds of product involved, it’s essential to check your pantry, emergency kits, and any other place you might have jerky stored. The recall covers dozens of brands and flavors, making a visual check of the packaging crucial.

### Identifying the Recalled Products

The easiest way to determine if your jerky is affected is to look for the establishment number inside the USDA mark of inspection on the package.

**Look for the establishment number “EST. 40269” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection.**

If you see this number, the product is part of the recall, regardless of the brand name or expiration date. The recall encompasses a vast array of brands that were packaged for other companies by Boyd Specialties. Some of the brand names involved include, but are not limited to:

* Ranchview
* The Pork Stand
* Smokehouse
* Texas Family
* California Jerky Company
* And many others

Because the list of brands is so extensive, the establishment number is the most reliable identifier. These products were sold in various package sizes and include beef, pork, and poultry jerky.

### Where Was the Jerky Sold?

These jerky products were shipped to retail locations nationwide. While the recall specifically mentions major warehouse clubs like **Costco and Sam’s Club**, the products were also sold at other grocery stores and through online retailers. The broad distribution network means that consumers in every state should be vigilant and check any jerky they have on hand.

## What to Do if You Have Recalled Jerky

If you’ve confirmed that your jerky has the establishment number “EST. 40269,” it’s vital that you follow the FSIS recommendations immediately to prevent any health risks.

### Do Not Eat It!

This is the most critical step. Do not, under any circumstances, eat the recalled jerky. Even if it looks and smells fine, it could be contaminated with harmful bacteria that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Do not feed it to pets, either, as they can also become ill.

### How to Dispose of or Return the Product

You have two main options for dealing with the recalled product:

1. **Throw It Away:** Discard the jerky in a sealed bag or container and place it in a secure trash can where other people, pets, or wildlife cannot access it.
2. **Return It for a Refund:** The safest and most financially sound option is to return the product to the store where you purchased it. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club have clear recall policies and will provide a full refund, even without a receipt.

If you have any questions or concerns about the recall, you can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or visit the FSIS website for the official recall notice.

## Understanding Food Recalls and Staying Safe

This massive jerky recall is a powerful reminder of the importance of the systems in place to protect our food supply. While it can be alarming, it also shows that regulatory bodies are actively working to identify and remove unsafe products from the market.

### Why Do Recalls Happen?

Recalls are generally issued for a few key reasons:

* **Contamination:** The presence of harmful pathogens like *Listeria*, *Salmonella*, or *E. coli*.
* **Undeclared Allergens:** The product contains a major allergen (like nuts, soy, or milk) that is not listed on the label.
* **Foreign Material:** The food is contaminated with physical objects like metal, plastic, or glass.
* **Production Errors:** As in this case, the product was not properly inspected or was otherwise mislabeled or mishandled during production.

### Tips for Staying Informed About Food Safety

You can be proactive about your health by staying informed about food recalls. Consider signing up for email alerts from the FSIS or the FDA. Checking the recall section on the websites of stores where you frequently shop is also a great habit. By staying vigilant, you can act quickly to protect yourself and your family from potentially dangerous food products.

In conclusion, the recall of over 2 million pounds of jerky sold at Costco, Sam’s Club, and other stores is a serious event. Take a moment to check your pantry for products with the establishment number “EST. 40269.” If you find any, do not eat them. Return them for a refund or dispose of them safely. Your health is worth the few minutes it takes to be sure.