The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a recall on Thursday for roughly 946 pounds of ready‑to‑eat beef jerky that had been sold in Iowa and six additional states. The recall stems from the fact that the jerky was produced without the required federal inspection and was mistakenly labeled with another facility’s inspection mark.

What products are affected

Imperio Distributions, the company responsible for the jerky, identified the specific lots that must be removed from shelves. The affected items were packaged and distributed under the brand name “Imperio” and were marketed as a snack suitable for on‑the‑go consumption. No other Imperio products are part of the recall.

States included in the recall

In addition to Iowa, the recall extends to consumers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Shoppers in these states who purchased the jerky from grocery stores, convenience outlets, or online retailers should check the packaging for the recalled lot numbers and discontinue use immediately.

Health risks and USDA warning

The USDA cautioned that food produced without proper inspection could harbor undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, or other contaminants that pose a risk to public health. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the agency emphasized the importance of erring on the side of safety.

What consumers should do

Anyone who believes they may have purchased the recalled jerky should:

• Locate the lot number and expiration date on the package.
• Stop consuming the product immediately.
• Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund, or contact Imperio Distributions directly for instructions.

If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after eating the jerky, seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider about the possible exposure.

How the recall was discovered

USDA inspectors conducting routine reviews identified the inspection discrepancy during a facility audit. The agency then worked with Imperio Distributions to issue the recall and notify the public through its standard communication channels.

Broader context

Food‑safety recalls are a routine part of the USDA’s mission to protect consumers. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous inspection processes, especially for ready‑to‑eat products that bypass cooking before consumption. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls by visiting the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website or signing up for alert notifications.

Contact information

For additional details, consumers can visit the USDA’s recall page at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls or call the USDA hotline at 1‑800‑ USDA‑FOOD (1‑800‑877‑3363).

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.