Stop! Check your pantry—your favourite snack could be contaminated

A popular Korean BBQ pork jerky has been pulled from shelves worldwide, sparking concern for shoppers across Australia.

Pieces of metal were discovered in the product, prompting a large-scale recall.

Seniors, in particular, may face heightened risks from this type of contamination.

Link Foods Australia has initiated a recall of Golden Island Pork Jerky Korean BBQ Recipe 410g after metal fragments were found in the product.

The affected jerky was available at Costco stores nationwide, with batches marked with best-before dates of 24/11/2025, 25/11/2025, 26/11/2025, and 05/05/2026.

Customers are being urged to return the product immediately for a full refund or dispose of it safely if a return is not possible.

The contamination stems from a manufacturing failure at LSI Inc. in Alpena, South Dakota, where a faulty conveyor belt allowed metal pieces to mix with the jerky.

This mechanical error has triggered the recall of 2.3 million pounds of Golden Island Korean Barbecue pork jerky, demonstrating how quickly issues in automated systems can spread globally.

The affected jerky was sold in plastic pouches at Costco and Sam's Club stores across multiple countries.

No injuries have been reported, but authorities have emphasised caution due to the potential risks of consuming metal fragments.

For Australians over 60, ingesting metal fragments carries particular risks.

Older adults, infants, children, and people with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of metals in food.

Health risks depend on factors including the amount of metal exposure, the type of metal, overall health, and individual sensitivities.

While this incident is not linked to acute poisoning, repeated exposure to small amounts of metal can have significant long-term effects.

Chronic metal exposure has been associated with conditions such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease—conditions already prevalent among seniors.

If you purchased Golden Island Pork Jerky Korean BBQ Recipe, check the date markings immediately.

Affected packages have best-before dates of 24/11/2025, 25/11/2025, 26/11/2025, or 05/05/2026.

Consumers should not eat the product and are advised to return it to any Costco store for a full refund, with no receipt required.

Questions regarding the recall can be directed to [email protected], although high volumes of enquiries may cause delays in response.

This recall is a reminder that metal contamination can appear in many foods, even in small amounts, and cumulative exposure can be concerning over time.

Contamination from foreign objects such as rocks, sticks, and insects occasionally occurs in US-produced food, but the scale of this recall is unusual.

Around four dozen jerky lots are affected, showing how rapidly contamination can spread through global food distribution networks.

For Australian consumers, this highlights the importance of monitoring international food safety alerts, as imported products may carry risks from overseas production issues.

Practical food safety for seniors involves staying informed, checking recalls, and maintaining a varied diet rather than avoiding processed foods entirely.

Food safety authorities continue to monitor the situation, and no timeline has been provided for when production might safely resume.

The Golden Island recall underscores the importance of equipment maintenance and rigorous quality control in food manufacturing.

Swift action by regulators and retailers has ensured the contaminated product is being quickly removed from stores.

By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, Australians can continue to enjoy safe, nutritious snacks from trusted retailers.

This recent pork jerky recall is a stark reminder that food contamination can happen unexpectedly, even with popular packaged products.

If you want to see another real-life example of a widespread recall affecting everyday frozen and packaged foods, there’s a story that highlights similar safety concerns.

It’s a useful read for anyone looking to stay informed and take practical steps to protect their pantry from potential hazards.

Read more: Double trouble: Popular frozen and packaged foods recalled for contamination risks

Have you checked your pantry for any affected Golden Island products, and how do you stay informed about food safety alerts?