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The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that Imperio Distribution LLC recalled an estimated 946 pounds of beef jerky produced without federal inspection and bearing an unauthorized USDA inspection mark. The recall covers three 2-ounce varieties distributed in seven Midwestern states; no illnesses or injuries have been reported.
Imperio Distribution LLC recalled an estimated 946 pounds of ready-to-eat beef jerky after the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service found the products had been made without federal inspection and carried an unauthorized USDA inspection mark. The October 24 announcement covers three 2-ounce varieties distributed to retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin; no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the products.
The recall includes sealed 2-ounce bags labeled IMPERIO FUEGO BEEF JERKY (CARNE SECA), IMPERIO ORIGINAL BEEF JERKY (CARNE SECA) and IMPERIO LIMÓN BEEF JERKY (CARNE SECA). The packages were produced between January and October 2026. FSIS said the problem was discovered during its surveillance activities.
The agency said the products were not federally inspected and were misbranded through the unauthorized use of another facility’s mark of inspection. The packaging shows the establishment number 1885 inside that mark, according to the recall information. Consumers should check the product name, bag size and inspection mark rather than relying only on the flavor name.
FSIS advises consumers not to eat the recalled jerky. Anyone who has it should throw it away or return it to the retailer where it was purchased. People who ate the product and develop symptoms should contact a health care provider. Questions about the recall can be directed to Imperio Distribution owner Manuel Cortes at 630-532-9560.
Why Uninspected Jerky Raises Concern
The immediate concern is that food made outside federal inspection may not have received the oversight required for federally inspected meat products. FSIS warned that uninspected food may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants. The agency’s warning describes possible risks; it does not establish that any particular contaminant was found in these bags.
The recall reaches retailers across seven states, so consumers may have bought the products outside the area where the company is based. Checking pantry supplies and following the discard-or-return guidance can help prevent people from eating food covered by the recall. The absence of reported illnesses is reassuring, but it does not change the agency’s advice not to consume the jerky.
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How the Recall Was Identified
FSIS announced the recall on October 24 after identifying the issue through agency surveillance. The agency classified it as a Class I recall, a category used for situations in which there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. That classification describes the agency’s risk category; it is not a report that consumers have become ill.
The products were made over a period from January through October 2026 and distributed to retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. The source report identifies the affected products by their labels and 2-ounce package size, but does not provide individual lot codes or a more detailed list of stores.
“Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that put consumer health and safety at risk.”
— USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Details Not Yet Provided by FSIS
No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recall, according to the source report. The available information does not identify a specific bacterium, allergen or contaminant in the products, and it does not say that testing found any of those hazards. FSIS’s warning concerns potential risks associated with production without inspection.
The reported recall details do not include package lot codes, best-before dates, a full retailer list or the number of bags affected. It is also not clear from the material provided whether additional products or distribution locations could be added. Consumers with questions about a specific package can contact the company or consult FSIS recall updates.
Steps for Consumers and Retailers
Consumers should compare any 2-ounce Imperio Fuego, Original or Limón beef jerky in their possession with the recall description, including the establishment number 1885 displayed in the unauthorized mark. Do not eat a matching product; dispose of it or return it to the store. Anyone who has eaten it and develops symptoms should contact a health care provider.
Retailers should follow the recall instructions and remove affected items from sale. FSIS may provide further information if the investigation or distribution review identifies additional details. The source material does not specify a date for any next agency update.
Key Questions
Which beef jerky products are recalled?
The recall covers 2-ounce bags labeled IMPERIO FUEGO, IMPERIO ORIGINAL and IMPERIO LIMÓN BEEF JERKY (CARNE SECA), produced between January and October 2026.
Which states received the jerky?
The products were distributed to retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.
What should I do if I have a recalled bag?
Do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the retailer where you bought it. Contact a health care provider if you ate the jerky and develop symptoms.
Have any illnesses been reported?
No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recall, according to the source report. FSIS has warned of possible hazards from food produced without inspection, but the material does not identify a specific contaminant in these products.
How can I contact the company about the recall?
Questions can be directed to Imperio Distribution owner Manuel Cortes at 630-532-9560.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
