- Recall Issued: June 3, 2025
- Announced By: USDA’s FSIS on June 3, 2025
- Company: Sulu Organics LLC, Bartlett, IL
- Products: Pork lard and beef tallow (various sizes and lots)
- Issue: Products produced and sold without USDA inspection
- Product Details: Multiple products in sizes ranging from 1.5 lb jars to 50 lb boxes, all lacking the USDA mark of inspection
- Action Needed: Do not consume. Return or discard the product
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.
What Happened?
Sulu Organics LLC has issued a recall of 6,166 pounds of pork lard and beef tallow products after it was discovered the items were produced without federal inspection—a serious compliance no-no.
The issue came to light when consumers noticed the absence of a USDA inspection mark on products sold online. Upon investigation, FSIS found that Sulu Organics had purchased inspected bulk lard and tallow, repackaged them into smaller containers, and relabeled them without any additional oversight. Cue the red flags.
Recalled Product Details
Brand | Product Name | Size | UPC / Lot | Best By | Issue |
Sulu Nutrition | 100% Pure Beef Tallow (Fully Rendered, Pasteurized) | 50 lb | Lot 07192023-4502, etc. | 12/2024–12/2025 | No USDA inspection |
Sulu Treat Your Soul | Beef Tallow – Grass Fed, Grass Finished | 7 lb, 4 lb, 1.5 lb | Lot 042225-0128, etc. | 01/2025–09/2026 | No USDA inspection |
Sulu Treat Your Soul | 100% Pure Lard | 4 lb, 7 lb | Lot 062824-0072, etc. | 01/2026–08/2026 | No USDA inspection |
These products were distributed nationwide through retail and online channels—so check your shelves, your fridge, and even your skincare cabinet (because who knows these days?).
What Caused the Issue?
This recall is a classic case of “it slipped through the cracks.” The problem? The recalled pork lard and beef tallow products were produced and sold without the benefit of federal inspection—a major no-no in the food world.
Here’s what went wrong:
- Sulu Organics purchased pork lard and beef tallow in bulk from an FSIS-regulated facility, which is fine on its own.
- But then, they repackaged these products into smaller retail containers and relabeled them for sale—without the required USDA inspection or mark of inspection.
- That means no federal oversight to verify food safety, handling, labeling accuracy, or contamination control.
- Some of these products were sold online, raising red flags for regulators who received consumer complaints.
- No illnesses have been reported, but the potential for contamination or improper handling is high enough to warrant concern.
Why this matters:
When meat or poultry products are processed without inspection, consumers have no assurance that basic safety protocols were followed. There could be risks like improper storage temperatures, cross-contamination, or even undeclared ingredients—all of which are especially dangerous for:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Elderly populations
Potential symptoms of consuming compromised animal fat products include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Foodborne illness complications for vulnerable groups
10 Common Questions You Might Have
1. What does “produced without federal inspection” mean?
It means the product skipped required USDA safety checks before hitting the shelves. That’s illegal and risky.
2. Were these products contaminated?
No contamination was confirmed, but without inspection, there’s no guarantee of safety or cleanliness.
3. Is it illegal to sell products without the USDA mark of inspection?
Yes, especially for meat or poultry products. It violates federal food safety laws.
4. I bought this product—should I be worried?
While there are no confirmed illnesses, out of caution, you should not consume the product. Dispose of it or return it.
5. How do I know if I have one of these products?
Check the brand name (“Sulu Organics”), product name (like “Treat Your Soul Tallow”), and lot number. Details are in the table above.
6. What should I do with the recalled product?
Do not eat it. Either throw it away or return it to the store or online seller.
7. Can I get a refund?
Most retailers will offer refunds for recalled products. Contact the point of purchase or reach out to Sulu Organics directly.
8. Is it safe to buy Sulu products in the future?
That’s up to consumers, but this incident raises concerns. Look for the USDA inspection mark on any meat-based product.
9. Has Sulu Organics had recalls before?
There’s no public record of prior recalls, but the brand will likely be under greater scrutiny going forward.
10. How can I stay updated on food recalls?
Visit the FSIS Recalls Page or subscribe to alerts. Or stick with us—we break it down for bulk buyers every week.
Here’s What You Should Do
Here’s your lard-light checklist:
- Don’t eat it. Even if it looks fine, just don’t.
- Check the label: Look for the lot numbers and expiration dates listed above.
- No USDA mark? That’s your sign to return or toss it.
- Contact:
630-855-2190
[email protected]
And if you’re unsure? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)
Behind the Brand
Sulu Organics, based in Bartlett, Illinois, is known for wellness-forward products including cooking fats and skin care oils. They position themselves as a natural, grass-fed alternative—but this recall highlights a critical gap in their quality control process.
Previous Recalls?
This appears to be Sulu’s first major recall, but they’re not alone. Similar inspection-related recalls have happened recently:
- On May 17, 2025, Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp. recalled approximately 9,722 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken coxinhas. Why? They skipped a pretty important step—federal inspection.
- On May 16, 2025, Fijian Import & Export Co. Inc. recalled approximately 127 pounds of imported FOUR ‘N TWENTY Traveller Philly Cheesesteak Pastries because of failure to present the meat pies to the USDA’s FSIS for mandatory import reinspection.
- On April 30, 2025, Ferrarini USA, Inc. issued a recall of around 70 pounds of its imported, ready-to-eat sliced prosciutto. Why? Because the meat skipped a critical step in its U.S. debut—mandatory import reinspection by the USDA’s FSIS.
- On March 31, 2025, Allen Family Foods recalled its White Chicken Chili due to product imported without FSIS reinspection.
- On February 12, 2025, 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.
“Skipping inspection means skipping trust. Recalls like this are reminders that food safety isn’t optional—it’s essential to protecting people and preserving confidence in our entire supply chain.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall isn’t about what was in the product—it’s about how it was handled. It reminds us all that food traceability, inspection protocols, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable, especially for private label and wholesale suppliers.
Repacking without proper oversight? That’s a slippery slope that can lead to damaged trust and regulatory backlash. For manufacturers and co-packers, this is a wake-up call: Do your due diligence and respect inspection protocols.
Pro Tip: Always double-check your supply chain and have a food recall checklist ready for importers and private label partners.
Need help sourcing ingredients from fully certified partners? Talk to our team today! We’re all about safe, traceable, high-quality bulk ingredients—no shortcuts allowed.
