Pacific Meridian recalls Gold Garlic Powder due to metal contamination

• Date Issued: March 17, 2025
• Company: Pacific Meridian Group, LLC
• Product: Gold Garlic Powder Irradiated
• Issue: Potential metal contamination (foreign objects)
• Product Details: 50 lb. bags, Product of China, distributed in CA, IL, and TX
• Action: Discard or return the affected product to the supplier immediately.

Stick around to find out more about this recall — Shall we learn more about this?

What happened?

On March 17, 2025, Pacific Meridian Group, LLC issued a recall for its Gold Garlic Powder Irradiated due to potential metal contamination. Yikes — no one wants a side of metal with their garlic toast!

The issue was discovered during a routine quality check, and although no illnesses have been reported (phew!), the company isn’t taking any chances. This is a Class II recall, meaning the risk is considered moderate but could still cause temporary or reversible health problems if someone unknowingly munches on it.

Here’s the breakdown of the recalled product:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Pacific Meridian	Gold Garlic Powder Irradiated	50 lbs.	N/A	7/29/2026, 7/30/2026, 9/4/2026, 9/5/2026	Metal contamination

Distribution:
The recalled garlic powder was shipped to distributors and stores across California, Illinois, and Texas.

What caused the issue?

The core issue behind the Pacific Meridian recall is the potential presence of metal fragments in the Gold Garlic Powder Irradiated product.
Foreign object contamination can occur during several stages of food production, from harvesting equipment to processing lines. Even a tiny shard of metal can turn a simple seasoning into a serious health hazard.

Why is metal in food such a big deal?

Even in small amounts, metal fragments can cause:

• Choking hazards — metal pieces can obstruct the airway.
• Mouth injuries — sharp edges may cut the mouth, tongue, or gums.
• Dental damage — chipped or broken teeth are possible.
• Internal injuries — if swallowed, metal can puncture or irritate parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Infections — internal injuries could potentially lead to bacterial infections.

Even though this recall is classified as Class II (meaning moderate severity), the risks are real enough that all affected products must be removed immediately.

Who’s most at risk?

Some groups are particularly vulnerable to harm from foreign objects in food:

• Children — smaller airways and less careful eating habits increase choking risk.
• Elderly individuals — aging teeth and slower reflexes make injury more likely.
• People with dental work — crowns, bridges, and implants could be damaged.
• Individuals with digestive conditions — even small objects can worsen existing gastrointestinal issues.

Symptoms to watch out for

If someone accidentally ingests a piece of metal, symptoms might include:

• Sudden choking or gagging
• Pain while swallowing
• Blood in saliva (from mouth injuries)
• Sharp stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Signs of internal bleeding (rare, but serious)

If any of these symptoms occur after eating a recalled product, seek immediate medical attention.

10 common questions you might have

1. Q: How can metal even get into garlic powder?
   A: During processing, harvesting, or packaging, small pieces of equipment can break off and contaminate the product.
   
2. Q: How dangerous is it to eat food with metal fragments?
   A: Even tiny pieces can cause choking, dental injuries, or internal damage — it’s not worth the risk!
   
3. Q: I used the recalled garlic powder in my restaurant — what should I do?
   A: Immediately stop using it, inform your staff, discard any affected batches, and contact your supplier.
   
4. Q: I already consumed some — should I be worried?
   A: If you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, you’re likely okay. If you notice any pain or unusual symptoms, see a doctor.
   
5. Q: Where can I find the lot number on the bag?
   A: It’s typically printed on the outside label of the 50 lb. sack, near the expiration date.
   
6. Q: Can I just sift the powder to remove any metal?
   A: No — metal fragments may not be visible and can still pose a serious health risk.
   
7. Q: Has Pacific Meridian had recalls before?
   A: They have a fairly clean track record, though metal contamination is a growing concern industry-wide.
   
8. Q: Is this recall nationwide?
   A: No, it’s limited to California, Illinois, and Texas — but always double-check your inventory if you distribute widely.
   
9. Q: How do I contact the company about this recall?
   A: Reach out to Pacific Meridian Group, LLC via their distributor or through the FDA’s recall page for official contact info.
   
10. Q: Will stores offer refunds for recalled products?
    A: Many suppliers will offer returns, credits, or replacements for recalled items. Check with your distributor for specific instructions.

Here’s what you should do

To stay safe, here’s your action checklist:

• Locate the Product: Check your inventory for Gold Garlic Powder Irradiated with the affected lot numbers.
• Look at the Label: Find lot numbers LN11842024211IR, LN11842024212IR, LN11842024248IR, and LN11842024249IR.
• Identify the Issue: Best by dates between July 29, 2026, and September 5, 2026.
• Take Action: Discard the product or return it to your supplier.
• Need Help? Contact Pacific Meridian Group, LLC for guidance.

Behind the brand

Pacific Meridian Group, LLC, based in Oakland, CA, supplies a wide range of imported food products, including bulk spices. While this garlic powder recall is significant, it’s worth noting that the brand does not have a long history of recalls. However, metal contamination has been a recurring theme in the industry lately — check out recent FDA recalls if you’re curious!

Other metal-related recalls that occurred these past months:

• On March 20, 2025, Idaho Smokehouse Partners issued a recall of approximately 29,541 pounds of their ready-to-eat CHOMPS Original Beef Stick Mild due to potential contamination with metal fragments.
• On February 15, 2025, Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. initiated a recall of 400 cases of their Happy Farms by ALDI Colby Jack Finely Shredded Cheese due to potential contamination of the product with stainless steel fragments.

“Food safety isn’t just a checkbox — it’s the backbone of consumer trust. Recalls like this one are a loud reminder that every step of the production process must be backed by strong quality controls. Customers expect the foods they buy to be safe, and that safety comes from vigilant monitoring, quick action when something goes wrong, and a commitment to using the best detection technology available. As production scales up, so must our safety efforts to keep the public protected.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall reminds us why stringent quality checks are vital, especially when sourcing bulk spices. A tiny oversight can have major consequences, from consumer trust issues to costly withdrawals.

For businesses, it’s a crucial reminder:

• Implement thorough metal detection and quality assurance protocols.
• Partner with reliable bulk suppliers who prioritize food safety.
• Always monitor inventory closely and act fast if a recall affects your stock.

And remember — if you’ve got any of the recalled garlic powder, discard it or return it pronto!

Looking to source high-quality, thoroughly screened ingredients without surprises? Talk to our team today and explore our safe, premium ingredient offerings!