Imperio Distribution LLC Recalls Beef Jerky Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection

Recall-Header 1100p

CLASS I RECALL

HEALTH RISK: HIGH

 

Congressional and Public Affairs
Kristal Southern
FSISpress@usda.gov
FSIS-RC-027-2026

 

IMPERIO DISTRIBUTION LLC RECALLS BEEF JERKY PRODUCTS PRODUCED WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF INSPECTION

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2026 - Imperio Distribution LLC, an Elgin, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 946 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef jerky products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and misbranded because of the unauthorized use of a USDA mark of inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The RTE Beef jerky products were packaged January 2026, to October 2026. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

  • 2 oz. sealed bag of "IMPERIO FUEGO BEEF JERKY (CARNE SECA)."
  • 2 oz. sealed bag of "IMPERIO ORIGINAL BEEF JERKY (CARNE SECA)."
  • 2 oz. sealed bag of "IMPERIO LIMÓN BEEF JERKY (CARNE SECA)."

The products subject to recall include the unapproved use of another facility's mark of inspection, identified as establishment number "1885" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were distributed to various retail locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness or injury should contact a healthcare provider.

Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that put consumer health and safety at risk. FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumer refrigerators or pantries or at various retailers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Manuel Cortes, Owner, Imperio Distribution LLC, at 630-532-9560 or manuelcortes33@gmail.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at FSIS’ website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Follow FSIS on X at twitter.com/usdafoodsafety or in Spanish at: twitter.com/usdafoodsafe_es.

USDA RECALL CLASSIFICATIONS
Class I This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
Class II This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
Class III This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.

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