White Oak Pastures Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Over Possible Metal Contamination

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 23, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a public health alert for a ground beef product from White Oak Pastures due to possible contamination with foreign material, specifically metal. According to the USDA FSIS, officials did not request a formal recall because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

White Oak Pastures recall: quick summary

The USDA FSIS issued a public health alert (not a recall) for a specific batch of White Oak Pastures grass-fed ground beef after the company received consumer complaints about metal fragments. The company distributed the product to select retail locations, including Mom’s Organic Markets across multiple East Coast states. While no injuries have been reported, regulators warn that consumers may still have the product in their freezers and should not consume it. The agency urges consumers to discard or return the product immediately if identified.

What happened?

According to the USDA FSIS, White Oak Pastures initiated the alert after receiving two consumer complaints indicating the presence of metal fragments in its ground beef product. White Oak Pastures produced the affected items on February 26, 2026, and distributed them through a distributor that supplied Mom’s Organic Markets locations in Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The agency said the issue came to light during post-distribution monitoring, when customers reported concerns directly to the company. The company packaged the product in 16-ounce vacuum-sealed plastic packs and labeled it with establishment number “EST 34729” inside the USDA mark of inspection, along with a sell-by date of March 19, 2026.

In its alert, FSIS warned consumers not to eat the product, stating: “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.” The agency also instructed consumers to “throw away or return the product to the place of purchase.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best by date	Issue	Affected states/zones
White Oak Pastures	Grassfed ground beef	16 oz	03/19/26	Possible metal contamination	D.C., MA, MD, NJ, PA, VA

What caused the issue?

According to the USDA FSIS notice, the issue involves possible contamination with foreign material, specifically metal fragments. Such contamination can occur during processing if equipment malfunctions or if fragments break off and enter the product stream.

Metal contamination poses a physical hazard and can lead to serious injury if consumed. Potential risks include damage to teeth, choking, or internal injury to the digestive tract. While no injuries have been reported in this case, the agency confirmed that consumers should exercise caution.

FSIS stated that it has received no additional reports of injury and continues to monitor the situation. The agency advises individuals who believe they may have been affected to contact a healthcare provider.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the affected ground beef if you have it at home
• Check the label for “WHITE OAK PASTURES” and the sell-by date of 03/19/26
• Look for the establishment number EST 34729 inside the USDA inspection mark
• Dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase
• Contact White Oak Pastures at (229) 641-2081 or [email protected] for questions or refunds

Behind the brand

White Oak Pastures, based in Bluffton, Georgia, uses regenerative farming practices and produces grassfed meat products. The company markets itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture and ethical livestock management.

In its official notice, the company indicated it is cooperating fully with regulators and has addressed the issue internally. Source86 reached out to White Oak Pastures for additional comment on how the contamination occurred, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

Foreign material contamination remains a recurring issue in the food industry. Recent alerts have involved plastic fragments in ready-to-eat meals, metal pieces in canned goods, and glass contamination in sauces. Similar incidents include Rosina Food Products recalling Bremer Italian Style Meatballs over possible metal contamination, Olympia Provisions recalling 1,930 pounds of holiday kielbasa for the same issue, Hormel Foods recalling ready-to-eat frozen chicken products, and LSI, Inc. recalling Golden Island pork jerky due to potential metal fragments. Food safety experts emphasize that these incidents often stem from equipment wear or insufficient inspection protocols.

Chris Fuller, owner and operator of Fuller Consulting, a U.S.-based meat processing firm, explained that “robust preventative maintenance programs and the use of metal detectors are essential to limiting this risk, but are not 100 percent effective.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added:

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

Broader pattern

This alert reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny around physical contaminants in food products. While microbial contamination often dominates headlines, foreign materials like metal and plastic continue to pose significant risks and lead to regulatory action.

Ensuring safe eats

Public health alerts like this one highlight the importance of strong quality control systems across the food supply chain. Even well-established brands can face challenges, making continuous monitoring and rapid response essential.

Consumers should remain vigilant by checking product labels and staying informed about alerts. If you have the affected ground beef, do not consume it; dispose of it or return it immediately.

At Source86, we support food brands with ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production, helping ensure transparency and safety across every stage of the supply chain. Contact us.