LSI, Inc. Recalls Golden Island Pork Jerky Over Possible Metal Contamination

WASHINGTON (October 24, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a recall involving LSI, Inc., which is pulling more than 2.27 million pounds of its Golden Island fire-grilled Korean barbecue pork jerky from store shelves due to potential contamination with pieces of metal. According to the FSIS, the ready-to-eat jerky may contain wiry metal fragments that originated from a conveyor belt used during production.

LSI, Inc. recall: quick summary

LSI, Inc., based in Alpena, South Dakota, has issued a nationwide recall of its Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky after consumers reported finding metal pieces in the product. Costco and Sam’s Club stores across the U.S. sold the jerky under establishment number M279A.
Regulators urge consumers not to eat the product, although no injuries have been confirmed. The recall covers 14.5-oz. and 16-oz. pouches with best-by dates ranging from October 23, 2025, through September 23, 2026.

What happened?

The FSIS said LSI, Inc. initiated the recall after receiving multiple consumer complaints about finding pieces of wiry metal inside its Korean barbecue-flavored pork jerky. The company told regulators it traced the contamination to a metal conveyor belt used in production.

The recall was announced on October 24, 2025, in coordination with the FSIS and the retail partners Costco and Sam’s Club. The affected jerky was distributed nationwide and packaged in resealable plastic pouches with long shelf lives of up to one year.

In its official alert, the FSIS warned:

“Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it. The product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best by date	Issue	Affected areas
Golden Island	Fire-Grilled Korean BBQ Pork Jerky	14.5 oz., 16 oz.	Oct 23 2025 – Sept 23 2026	Metal contamination	Nationwide

What caused the issue?

According to the FSIS notice, the metal fragments came from a conveyor belt used in LSI’s production facility. While no injuries or illnesses have been reported, ingesting metal can cause choking, oral injury, or internal damage.

The agency confirmed that some of the recalled product may still be in consumers’ homes. Vulnerable groups (including children and older adults) are at greater risk if foreign material is swallowed.

Questions you might have

What should I do if I have already consumed this product?
If you suspect you’ve eaten contaminated jerky and feel unwell, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Save the packaging if possible for reference.

How can I identify if I have the recalled jerky?
Check for “Golden Island fire-grilled PORK JERKY Korean BARBECUE recipe” with best-by dates between Oct. 23, 2025, and Sept. 23, 2026, and establishment number M279A inside the USDA mark.

Have any injuries been reported?
No confirmed injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall as of the time of publication.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the product.
• Check the side of the packaging for best-by dates and establishment number M279A.
• Dispose of the jerky safely or return it to the retailer for a full refund.
• For questions, email [email protected].

Behind the brand

LSI, Inc., headquartered in Alpena, South Dakota, produces ready-to-eat meat snacks under the Golden Island label, sold through major warehouse retailers. The company stated it has ceased distribution of the affected batches and is working with federal regulators to investigate the issue.

Other relevant recalls

This isn’t the first foreign material recall in the jerky category. Earlier this year, recalls were issued for Tru Fru, Great Lakes Cheese Co., and Idaho Smokehouse Partners due to similar contamination concerns.
An article by Fortress Technology states:

“Metal detection is the most common technology utilized on meat and poultry processing and packing lines, mainly due to the fact that metal is the number one contaminant.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added:

“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 highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety in high-volume meat production. Proper equipment monitoring and regular maintenance remain critical to prevent foreign-material incidents.

Consumers should check their pantries and follow FSIS guidance to ensure no recalled jerky remains in circulation.

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 and responsibly. Contact us!

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