- Date Issued: February 12, 2025
- Announced by: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Company: Common Sense Soap (North Walpole, N.H.), on behalf of Lady May Tallow
- Product Name: Grass-fed Beef Tallow labeled under “Lady May All Natural”
- Reason for Recall: Processed without federal inspection
- Products Involved: Multiple sizes of beef tallow ranging from 24 fl oz jars to 16-lb plastic tubs
- What to Do: Return the product or throw it away to avoid any potential risk
Stick around to find out how this recall happened and what steps to take if you’ve got Lady May Tallow in your pantry. Shall we learn more?
What happened?
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of approximately 33,899 pounds of beef tallow processed by Common Sense Soap without the required federal inspection. The products were produced between October 16, 2024, and February 6, 2025, and distributed nationwide to wholesalers and retail locations.
The problem was discovered when a local health department notified FSIS, revealing that Lady May Tallow had contracted Common Sense Soap to process and package its beef tallow. Since Common Sense Soap does not hold a federal grant of inspection, the products were mislabeled, giving the false impression they were safe for human consumption.
Affected products:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Lady May | Grass-fed Beef Tallow (Glass Jar) | 24 fl oz | N/A | N/A | No USDA Inspection |
Lady May | Grass-fed Beef Tallow (Plastic Tub) | 2 lbs | N/A | N/A | No USDA Inspection |
Lady May | Grass-fed Beef Tallow (Plastic Tub) | 7.8–8 lbs | N/A | N/A | No USDA Inspection |
Lady May | Grass-fed Beef Tallow (Plastic Tub) | 16 lbs | N/A | N/A | No USDA Inspection |
What caused the issue?
The recall was triggered because Common Sense Soap does not have the required federal grant of inspection to produce products intended for human consumption. The lack of inspection raises concerns about product safety, although no adverse reactions have been reported so far.
Health Risks
- While there are no confirmed reports of illness, consuming uninspected products can pose health risks.
- Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant individuals, children, and immunocompromised individuals, should be extra cautious.
1. What caused the recall?
The recall was due to Common Sense Soap lacking the required federal inspection to produce food products.
2. Are the recalled products safe to consume?
No confirmed illnesses, but consuming uninspected products poses potential health risks.
3. How do I know if I have a recalled product?
Look for these details:
- Name: “Premium Quality Goods Grass-fed Beef Tallow Lady May All Natural”
- Sizes: 24 fl oz, 2 lbs, 7.8–8 lbs, or 16 lbs
4. What should I do with a recalled product?
Return it to the store or dispose of it immediately.
5. Are there health risks?
There are no confirmed illnesses, but vulnerable groups (pregnant, children, immunocompromised) should avoid consuming it.
6. Who should avoid these products?
Pregnant individuals, children, and those with weakened immune systems should be cautious.
7. What happens if I consume the recalled product?
There’s no confirmed harm, but uninspected products could pose safety risks.
8. How do I identify the recalled product?
Check for the name and sizes listed above.
9. How can I get more information?
Contact Chris McDonald at Lady May Tallow (601-270-7410) or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline (888-674-6854).
10. Why is federal inspection important?
It ensures safety, proper labeling, and compliance with food safety regulations. Without it, risks increase.
Here’s what you should do
If you have any of the recalled beef tallow products in your home, here’s what to do:
- Check the Label: Look for the product size and description in the table above.
- Return or Dispose: Either return the product to the place of purchase or safely dispose of it.
- Contact Info: For questions, contact Chris McDonald at Lady May Tallow at 601-270-7410 or via email at [email protected].
For more information, you can also reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
Behind the brand
Lady May Tallow specializes in natural, grass-fed beef tallow products known for their high quality and versatility. While this recall is significant, it’s not the first instance of inspection-related recalls. Similar recalls have been announced by FSIS, such as Impero Foods & Meats recall of raw pork sausage products due to an inspection issue.
“Food safety compliance goes beyond meeting regulations—it’s a commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining consumer confidence. Recalls like this remind us that even small oversights in inspection can pose serious risks. As an industry, we all play a role in upholding the highest standards at every stage, from sourcing to distribution, ensuring that consumers receive safe, trustworthy products they can count on.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in the food industry. Proper inspections ensure product safety and build consumer trust. Companies should always work with federally approved facilities to avoid situations like this.If you’re sourcing ingredients, partnering with a reliable supplier is essential. At Source86, we help ensure your products meet the highest quality and safety standards. For more insights and access to premium ingredients, contact us today!
