Nationwide public health alert for meat products due to possible metal contamination: ‘Should be thrown away’

The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for a Mexican-inspired pork product sold at Aldi supermarkets. The agency announced the alert due to a potential contamination with metal on April 19, and also urged the consumer to take immediate action. They asked to throw away the affected product if it's still in your refrigerator. The agency, however, did not recall the product as it is no longer available for sale.
Here’s everything you need to know about the affected product:
What is the affected product?
The product in question is the 'Pork Carnitas SEASONED & SEARED PORK WITH JUICES SLOW COOKED WITH CITRUS.' These Mexican-inspired meals, produced by Cargill Meat Solutions, were sold at Aldi supermarkets. These are fully cooked pork carnitas products that were produced from April 1-2, 2025.

Why is the product not suitable for consumption?
The FSIS issued the alert due to potential contamination with foreign material, specifically pieces of metal. According to the agency, the issue was discovered during routine process checks. "They found equipment damage that may have contaminated the carnitas products with pieces of metal," FSIS said in the release.
No injuries have been reported as of Apr 19, however, the FSIS has urged consumers to take precautions. "Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider," they said.
How to identify the affected products?

If you have a packet of epork carnitas products lying in your refrigerator, look for the details mentioned below on the packaging.

Product description: 16-ounce refrigerated sleeved tray packages labeled 'Pork Carnitas SEASONED & SEARED PORK WITH JUICES SLOW COOKED WITH CITRUS.'
Package size: 16-oz (1LB) 454g
Establishment number: "Est. 46049" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Use-By Dates: 06/30/2025 or 07/01/2025.
Where were the affected products distributed?
The contaminated Pork Carnitas were shipped to Aldi supermarkets nationwide, which means the chances of it being in your freezer are high.
Although the product is no longer available for sale, the FSIS has issued to alert to caution people who might still have some packages in their refrigerators or freezers.

What to do if you have the affected product?
In case you found the affected Pork Carnitas in your freezer, do not consume them.
“Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase," the FSIS said.

If you have any further queries, you can contact Cargill's Consumer Hotline at 1-844-419-1574.