The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for certain pork carnitas due to possible contamination. Some packages may contain metal pieces. Fortunately, this product isn’t on shelves anymore, so there isn’t a recall, but it’s good to be aware if you bought it.

The affected products are “Pork Carnitas SEASONED & SEARED PORK WITH JUICES SLOW COOKED WITH CITRUS” packaged in 16-oz. sleeves. These packages have “USE BY” dates of “06/30/2025” or “07/01/2025” and were produced between April 1 and 2. You can find the establishment number “46049” on the packaging as well. These items were shipped to Aldi stores across the country.
The issue came to light when the manufacturer detected equipment damage during routine checks, which may have led to the metal contamination. So far, there have been no reports of injuries linked to these products. However, if you feel concerned about your health, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Even though the product is no longer available in stores, some people may still have it at home. If you purchased these carnitas, it’s best to throw them away or return them to the store.
Staying informed about food safety is crucial. According to a recent study by the Food and Drug Administration, foodborne illnesses affect about 48 million people each year in the U.S. This alert underscores the importance of being vigilant about food products and aware of what’s in our homes. For more information on food safety, check out the USDA’s resources here.