This is a popular pork item available at Aldi being brought under scrutiny after a national health alert was issued over the weekend. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has warned consumers of the potential for metal contamination in some batches of pork carnitas that were distributed nationwide.
The alert pertains to 16-ounce sleeved tray packages which may contain small metal fragments thus posing a potential hazard. The USDA has advised anyone who has this product in their possession to either discard it or return it to the store for a refund.
Production dates and packaging details
Pork carnitas were produced over a two-day span, from April 1 to April 2, 2025, according to the FSIS notice. Although the product is no longer on store shelves at Aldi, officials are concerned some packages could still be lying in household refrigerators or freezers.
The department recommends consumers check for any indication on the packaging regarding the production date and be cautious if purchased from Aldi earlier this month.
How the contamination was discovered
The problem came to light during routine quality control checks carried out at the facility where the pork was produced. FSIS states the manufacturer found equipment damaged during processing, which contributed to the possibility that there might have been some metal into the carnitas.
“The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that during routine process checks they found equipment damage that may have contaminated the carnitas products with pieces of metal,” the USDA said in a statement.
No injuries reported so far
As of yet, no injuries or adverse reactions have been reported, but the USDA is requesting consumers to be cautious. The department has also added that anyone who may have consumed the product and feels unwell should consult with a physician.
The USDA’s notice falls under the category of a public health alert instead of a full recall, as this product was no longer available for sale. However, the potential health risk remains serious enough to draw national attention.
What do consumers do?
Whenever customers think they have purchased any of the pork carnitas that might be affected, they should immediately head to their refrigerators with the purpose of checking up on them, or to their freezers if that would have been the storage choice. If the product fits that description, it should either be disposed of or returned to Aldi for a full refund. Customers may also contact Aldi customer service or refer to Aldi’s product safety information available on FSIS, USDA’s website for more detailed information.
Food safety is a priority
This event illustrates the application of food-safety practices and the application of routine checks all over the food production industry. While such notices can be somewhat alarming, they also serve as a reminder that much vigilance is necessary to uphold public health standards.
Consumers are encouraged to remain abreast of any updates on food recalls and alerts by either registering for notification notifications through the USDA or routinely checking for updates.
