Aldi Shoppers Warned of Contaminated Pork in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

If you live in the Tri-State area and shop at Aldi, you may want to check your freezer, especially if you enjoy their carnitas product line. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for a pork carnitas product that may be contaminated with metal fragments.

The product being warned about is a 16-ounce tray of “Pork Carnitas – Seasoned & Seared Pork with Juices Slow Cooked with Citrus.” It was produced by Cargill between April 1st through the 2nd, 2025, and bears the establishment number Est. 46049. The alert applies to items with use-by dates of June 30 or July 1, 2025.

Get our free mobile app

While the carnitas are no longer being sold, FSIS is concerned that some packages could still be in consumers’ homes across the Tri-State area. Many people buy meat ahead of time and freeze it for a later meal. Aldi stores across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin received shipments of the affected product earlier this month.

So far, there have been no reported injuries, but metal contamination can pose serious health risks if consumed. If you have this product at home, the FSIS advises you to throw it out immediately or return it to your local Aldi for a full refund.

For specific concerns or questions, consumers can contact Cargill’s Consumer Hotline at 1-844-419-1574. The USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline is also available at 1-888-674-6854. Even though there’s no official recall at this time, this alert is a good reminder to stay informed on food safety. This is especially the case with ready-to-heat-and-eat items that may linger in your freezer.