Nearly 30,000 pounds of raw beef are being pulled from the market after federal officials discovered that the imported meat entered the United States without undergoing a required inspection.
Corte Argentino USA LLC, an Aventura, Florida-based meat importer, is recalling approximately 29,628 pounds of raw beef products imported from Argentina, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The agency announced the recall on August 7 after determining that the products had entered the country without receiving the required import reinspection. The affected beef was subsequently distributed to retailers and distributors in Florida and Texas.
The recalled products were produced between May 15 and May 20, 2026, and have “use by” or “freeze by” dates ranging from September 15 through September 20, meaning some of the meat could still be sitting in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
Federal rules require imported meat to undergo reinspection by FSIS after entering the United States. The process is intended to ensure imported products comply with U.S. requirements and can include checks involving documentation, labeling and the condition of the shipment.
Officials discovered the problem during routine FSIS surveillance when they determined that the products had been brought into the country without the required reinspection.
The recall covers several cuts of raw beef, including products labeled as top sirloin butt, eye round, topside cap off, flat and knuckle. Consumers and businesses trying to determine whether they have affected meat should look closely at the identifying information printed on the packaging.
The products were shipped in cardboard boxes bearing the Argentine establishment identification “EST. N° OF. 2025.” The recalled boxes also carry the shipping mark “26644-AA.”
The USDA has classified the incident as a Class I recall, the agency’s highest recall classification. A Class I designation is used when officials determine there is a reasonable probability that consuming a product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Despite that classification, federal officials have not reported any confirmed illnesses or adverse reactions associated with eating the recalled beef.
The recall was initiated because the products bypassed the required U.S. import reinspection process, rather than because officials announced that testing had identified a specific pathogen such as E. coli or Salmonella in the meat.
Still, officials are concerned that some of the recalled products may remain in consumers’ freezers or in the inventories of retailers and distributors because their listed dates extend well into September.
Consumers who purchased affected products are being urged not to eat them. The USDA recommends that the recalled beef either be thrown away or returned to the place where it was purchased.
Businesses that received the products are similarly being advised to ensure they are no longer being sold or served.
Corte Argentino USA specializes in importing Argentine beef into the American market. According to its website, the company markets Argentine beef products to U.S. consumers and businesses.
The recall comes as federal food-safety regulators continue monitoring imported meat and poultry products entering the country. Foreign meat products are required to originate from countries and establishments deemed eligible to export to the United States, while shipments are also subject to FSIS inspection requirements upon entry.
Anyone concerned about an illness or adverse reaction after consuming a recalled product should contact a healthcare provider.
Consumers who believe they purchased the affected beef should check the packaging for the establishment information, shipping mark and September use-or-freeze-by dates before consuming it.
