Urgent Recall: Argentine Beef Pulled in FL & TX Over Safety Lapse
Nearly 30,000 Pounds of Argentinian Beef Recalled: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
Imagine ordering a package online, but it arrives at your door without anyone checking if it’s safe or correctly labeled. That’s basically what happened here—but with 29,628 pounds of raw beef from Argentina.
A Florida company called Corte Argentino USA LLC imported this beef, but it skipped a required safety check when it entered the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on Friday.
Why Was It Recalled?
IMPORTANT POINT
The beef wasn’t recalled because someone got sick. It was recalled because it missed a mandatory safety inspection at the U.S. border.
Here’s how the process should work:
- Ship arrives at U.S. border
- Customs & Border Protection checks paperwork
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service checks for animal diseases
- FSIS does a "reinspection" ← THIS STEP WAS SKIPPED
During reinspection, officials check:
- Documentation and labeling
- Packaging condition
- General product condition
- Sometimes take samples to test for contaminants (like bacteria)
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall covers various cuts of boneless beef packed in cardboard boxes. All products come from the same Argentinian facility: Frigorífico Gorina SAIC.
| Beef Cut (English) | Beef Cut (Spanish) |
|---|---|
| Top Sirloin Butt | Cuadril Sin Tapa |
| Eye Round | Peceto |
| Topside Cap Off | Nalga AD S/Tapa |
| Flat | Carnaza Cuadrada |
| Knuckle | Bola de Lomo |
Key identifiers to look for:
- Argentinian establishment number:
EST. N° OF. 2025 - Shipping mark:
26644-AA - Produced: May 15–20, 2025
- Use/freeze-by dates: September 15–20, 2025
Where Were They Sold?
The beef went to distributors and retailers (not directly to consumers) in only two states:
- Florida
- Texas
What Should You Do?
If you bought beef recently in Florida or Texas, follow these steps:
- Check your refrigerator and freezer for any raw beef matching the description above
- Look at the packaging for the establishment number
EST. N° OF. 2025and shipping mark26644-AA - If it matches → DO NOT EAT IT
- Choose one:
- Throw it away (seal it in a bag first so animals can’t get to it)
- Return it to the store where you bought it for a refund
- If you already ate some and feel sick → Contact your doctor immediately
FSIS WARNING
Officials are concerned some of this beef may already be in people’s home freezers. Please check now!
Summary
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Corte Argentino USA LLC (Florida) |
| Amount Recalled | 29,628 pounds |
| Origin | Argentina (Frigorífico Gorina SAIC) |
| Problem | Missed mandatory USDA reinspection at border |
| States Affected | Florida & Texas |
| Production Dates | May 15–20, 2025 |
| Illnesses Reported | Zero (so far) |
| Action Needed | Don’t eat → Trash or return to store |
FAQ
Is the beef definitely contaminated?
No. The recall is a precaution because the required safety check wasn’t done. Think of it like a teacher collecting homework—if a student’s paper wasn’t checked, the teacher doesn’t know if it’s right or wrong. They’re asking for it back just in case.
How do I know if my beef is part of the recall?
Check for both of these on the package:
- Establishment number:
EST. N° OF. 2025 - Shipping mark:
26644-AA
If you’re not sure, ask the store where you bought it—they should have records.
What if I already cooked and ate some?
If you feel fine, you’re probably okay. But watch for symptoms like fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting over the next few days. If anything shows up, tell your doctor you may have eaten recalled beef.
Can I just cook it really well to make it safe?
No. The problem isn’t just bacteria—it’s that we don’t know what the problem might be. Since it skipped inspection, there could be issues cooking won’t fix (like chemical contamination or mislabeling). When in doubt, throw it out.
Will I get my money back if I return it?
Yes! Stores that sold recalled products typically offer full refunds—even without a receipt. Just bring the product (or photos of the packaging) to customer service.
Stay safe, check your freezer, and when in doubt—ask your butcher or grocer!