Ghanaianway Recalls Salted Lamb Over Lack of Inspection

NEWARK, N.J. (December 9, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,970 pounds of fresh salted lamb products because they were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. According to regulators, the items were shipped to restaurant and retail locations in seven states, including New York and New Jersey. The agency confirmed that while no illnesses have been reported, the lack of inspection means the safety of the products cannot be verified.

Ghanaianway Recall: Quick Summary

Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC has issued a recall for nearly 6,000 pounds of its “Ghanaianway African Foods Salted Lamb (Koobi)” products. The recall was initiated after FSIS investigators discovered during routine surveillance that the lamb was produced and distributed without undergoing the required federal inspection process. The affected products, which have a shelf life of one year, were sold in 15-pound plastic-lined boxes. Consumers and retailers are urged to check their freezers and refrigerators, as the long shelf life means the product may still be in storage.

What Happened?

The USDA said Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC initiated the recall after FSIS surveillance activities revealed that the salted lamb products were produced without federal inspection. The agency confirmed that the items were distributed to retail and restaurant locations in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

In its recall alert, the FSIS stated that it is “concerned that some product may be in consumer and restaurant refrigerators or freezers because of their long shelf life”. The products do not bear a USDA mark of inspection, and some packages may lack a label entirely.

Affected Products

Brand	Product	Size	Production Dates	Issue	Affected States
Ghanaianway African Foods	Salted Lamb (Koobi)	15-lb. box	03/11/2025 – 12/03/2025	No Federal Inspection	CT, MD, MA, MN, NJ, NY, PA

What Caused the Issue?

According to the recall notice, the issue was caused by the company producing and distributing meat products without the benefit of federal inspection, which is a violation of federal food safety regulations. The inspection process is critical for ensuring that meat products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.

Regulators said the problem was discovered during “routine FSIS retail surveillance activities”. The agency confirmed that there have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products.

Questions You Might Have

1. What specific product is recalled?15-pound plastic-lined boxes of “Ghanaianway African Foods Salted Lamb (Koobi)”.
2. Why is it being recalled?The lamb was produced without the required federal inspection by the USDA/FSIS.
3. Does the product have a USDA mark?No, the recalled products do not bear a USDA mark of inspection.
4. Are there expiration dates to check?The products may not declare a best-by or production date, but they were produced between March 11, 2025, and Dec. 3, 2025.
5. Where was the lamb sold?It was shipped to restaurants and retailers in CT, MD, MA, MN, NJ, NY, and PA.
6. Has anyone gotten sick?No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.
7. Is the meat contaminated?There is no specific confirmation of contamination, but without inspection, safety cannot be verified.
8. What is the shelf life?The affected salted lamb products have a shelf life of one year.
9. What should I do with the product?Do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store where you bought it.
10. Who issued the recall?The recall was announced by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check your freezer: Look for 15-pound boxes of salted lamb labeled “Ghanaianway African Foods”.
• Verify the label: The product will likely lack a USDA inspection mark and may not have a date code.
• Dispose of the product: If you possess this item, throw it away in a sealed container so no one else can access it.
• Return for refund: You can also return the product to the point of purchase.

Behind the Brand

Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC is a Newark, New Jersey-based business specializing in African cuisine and grocery items. The company produces specialty items like “Koobi,” a traditional salted dried fish or meat product often used in West African cooking. This recall highlights the regulatory challenges faced by smaller, ethnic food producers in navigating federal meat inspection requirements.

Other Relevant Recalls

Maître Saladier Inc. recalled its Lorraine Quiche products after the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service determined the items were imported into the U.S. without undergoing required reinspection procedures. While no illnesses were reported, the lapse highlights how procedural oversights in import controls can still lead to recalls and supply chain disruptions.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while the Ghanaianway recall highlights a single compliance error, it also underscores a broader truth in the food industry:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Ensuring Safe Eats

This recall serves as a reminder of the critical role federal inspection plays in the food supply chain. Inspection marks are not just formalities; they are the consumer’s assurance that the product has met rigorous safety standards. For consumers buying specialty or imported-style meat products, checking for the USDA mark is a simple but effective step to ensure the food is safe to eat.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Contact Us!