Nearly 30,000 Pounds of Raw Beef Recalled in Florida and Texas Over Missed USDA Import Inspection
Florida Business News: Federal food safety officials have issued a major public health recall affecting thousands of pounds of imported raw beef shipped to distributors and retailers across the southern United States.
Florida-based Corte Argentino USA LLC is voluntarily recalling approximately 29,628 pounds of raw boneless beef products imported from South America. The recall was prompted after federal regulators discovered the meat entered domestic commercial channels without undergoing mandatory government reinspection upon arrival in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the Class I recall following routine inspection activities. Officials are urging consumers, restaurant operators, and food service managers to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately to ensure none of the affected cuts is consumed or served.
At a Glance: Key Recall Details
| Detail | Information |
| Recalling Firm | Corte Argentino USA LLC (Aventura, Florida) |
| Total Quantity | Approximately 29,628 pounds (~15 tons) |
| Country of Origin | Argentina |
| Production Dates | May 15, 2026 – May 20, 2026 |
| Use / Freeze-By Dates | September 15, 2026 – September 20, 2026 |
| Establishment Number | Argentinian Establishment “EST. N° OF. 2025” |
| Shipping Mark | 26644-AA |
| Distribution States | Florida and Texas |
| Classification | Class I Import Violation (High/Medium Risk) |
Specific Beef Cuts Included in the Recall
The recall encompasses several primal and subprimal boneless beef cuts packaged in various weight cardboard shipping boxes produced by Argentinian processor Frigorífico Gorina SAIC.
Consumers and retailers should inspect cardboard boxes and product packaging for the following specific item descriptions and Spanish cut designations:
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Top Sirloin Butt (“Cuadril Sin Tapa”)
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Eye Round (“Peceto”)
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Topside Cap Off (“Nalga AD S/Tapa”)
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Flat (“Carnaza Cuadrada”)
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Knuckle (“Bola de Lomo”)
Each shipping container subject to the recall displays the Argentinian establishment mark “EST. N° OF. 2025” along with the designated shipping mark 26644-AA stamped on the outer packaging.
Why Was the Raw Beef Recalled?
The fundamental reason behind the recall is a failure in the regulatory chain of custody. Under federal law, foreign meat, poultry, and egg shipments brought into the United States must clear two distinct hurdles before reaching market shelves:
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Border Customs Clearance: Shipments must first satisfy border entry requirements enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
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FSIS Import Reinspection: Once cleared at the port, commercial shipments must be presented at an official FSIS import inspection establishment. Here, federal inspectors visually inspect packaging, audit documentation, check temperature logs, verify labeling accuracy, and collect physical samples for pathogen and chemical residue testing.
In the case of Corte Argentino USA LLC’s shipment, the beef bypassed the second step and was distributed into commercial trade without the mandatory FSIS reinspection. Because federal inspectors were unable to physically verify the condition, temperature integrity, and safety compliance of the product, FSIS classifies the uninspected meat as unsafe for human consumption.
Illness Reports and Health Risks
To date, there have been no confirmed reports of illness, injury, or adverse health reactions associated with the consumption of these products.
However, because raw meat products that skip mandatory reinspection lack official verification regarding storage temperatures, handling procedures, and microbiological cleanliness, FSIS considers uninspected meat a potential health risk.
Anyone who suspects they may have experienced an illness after consuming meat products covered by this recall is advised to contact a primary healthcare provider immediately.
Guidance for Consumers, Restaurants, and Retailers
Because the affected beef was produced in mid-May and bears “use or freeze-by” dates ranging from September 15 through September 20, federal regulators express concern that some products may still be stored in commercial walk-in freezers, restaurant pantries, or home refrigerators.
Action Steps to Take Immediately:
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Check Your Freezer and Fridge: Search for any boneless beef cuts bearing the Argentinian establishment number EST. N° OF. 2025 and shipping mark 26644-AA.
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Do Not Prepare or Consume: If you identify any recalled beef, do not cook, serve, or consume it.
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Dispose or Return: Unopened or opened packages should either be thrown away in a sealed trash container or returned directly to the retail location where they were purchased for a full refund.
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Clean and Sanitise: Thoroughly clean and sanitise any surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, or storage bins that came into direct contact with the recalled product packaging to prevent potential cross-contamination.
How Regulatory Recall Effectiveness Checks Work
The FSIS regularly conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling companies officially notify their wholesale distribution networks and retail clients. These steps ensure that the recalled items are removed from store shelves, meat counters, and restaurant supply chains.
As retail distribution lists become available, the FSIS will publish exact store locations and retail outlets on its official website.
www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls).Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Class I recall?
A Class I recall is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. Import violations involving uninspected raw meat products routinely receive this classification due to the absence of food safety verification.
How can I verify if meat in my freezer is part of this recall?
Examine the package label or shipping box for the producer name Frigorífico Gorina SAIC, the foreign establishment stamp EST. N° OF. 2025, and shipping mark 26644-AA.
Who should I contact for additional information?
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Corte Argentino USA LLC: Consumers and media contacts can reach out to General Manager Eial Kaplun at
786-350-5805or via email atinfo@corteargentinoinc.com. -
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: Toll-free support is available at
1-888-MPHotline(1-888-674-6854) or via email atMPHotline@usda.gov. -
Online Food Safety Complaints: To report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, access the USDA’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System online at
[https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/](https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/).
