What was recalled
In a move to protect public health and ensure compliance with federal import regulations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on August 7, 2026, that Corte Argentino USA LLC is recalling a significant quantity of raw beef products. The company, which operates out of Aventura, Florida, has issued this recall for approximately 29,628 pounds of boneless beef that was imported from Argentina without undergoing the mandatory import reinspection process required by U.S. law. This procedural gap is the sole reason for the action, as the products did not receive the necessary safety verification upon entry into the United States.
The affected items are raw beef cuts produced between May 15, 2026, and May 20, 2026. These products bear use or freeze-by dates ranging from September 15, 2026, to September 20, 2026. While the expiration dates have not yet passed for many consumers, the lack of proper inspection means these items cannot be legally sold or consumed in the U.S. market. The products were packaged in various weight cardboard boxes and bear the Argentinian establishment number “EST. N° OF. 2025” along with the shipping mark “26644-AA.” Consumers should look for the specific cut names listed below, all produced by Frigorífico Gorina SAIC:
- Boneless beef “Top Sirloin Butt” (labeled as “Cuadril Sin Tapa”)
- Boneless beef “Eye Round” (labeled as “Peceto”)
- Boneless beef “Topside Cap Off” (labeled as “Nalga AD S/Tapa”)
- Boneless beef “Flat” (labeled as “Carnaza Cuadrada”)
- Boneless beef “Knuckle” (labeled as “Bola de Lomo”)
This recall specifically impacts products that were distributed to distributors and retailers located in the states of Florida and Texas. The issue was identified during routine FSIS inspection activities, highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts to monitor imported food products for compliance. Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury linked to these specific products as of this announcement, the potential risk associated with uninspected imported meat necessitates immediate removal from the supply chain. If you purchased any of the above-listed beef cuts from retailers in Florida or Texas between mid-May and late September 2026, it is crucial to verify your purchase against this list immediately.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, this recall might seem like a bureaucratic issue rather than a direct safety threat. After all, the beef itself was produced in Argentina under regulated conditions and bears an official establishment number. However, the core of this danger lies not in what the meat is, but in how it entered the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) requires that meat and poultry products imported from other countries undergo a rigorous "import reinspection" process. This step is critical because it ensures that foreign facilities meet U.S. safety standards equivalent to those enforced domestically. By bypassing this mandatory reinspection, the raw beef products distributed by Corte Argentino USA LLC entered the American supply chain without that final layer of federal verification.
So, what does missing this inspection actually mean for your health? The primary risk is the potential presence of pathogens that are invisible to the naked eye but dangerous to humans. Import reinspection acts as a checkpoint to verify that the foreign plant’s sanitation practices, slaughter methods, and post-mortem examinations align with U.S. requirements. When this step is skipped, there is no guaranteed confirmation that harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli (including O157:H7), or Listeria were adequately controlled during processing. While the meat may look and smell normal, it could harbor these pathogens in quantities that pose a serious health risk.
This risk is particularly acute because the recalled items are raw beef products. Raw meat is inherently more vulnerable to contamination than cooked or canned goods, as it lacks the heat treatment that kills bacteria. If pathogenic bacteria were present on the carcasses during slaughter or introduced during processing in Argentina, they would remain alive and active until the beef is thoroughly cooked. For healthy adults, consuming undercooked contaminated beef can lead to severe foodborne illness, characterized by symptoms like violent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever. In more serious cases, certain strains of E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that leads to kidney failure.
Furthermore, the lack of reinspection means we cannot be certain about the cold chain integrity during transit. Even if the meat was safe when it left Argentina, improper temperature control during shipping could allow bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels before the product ever reached your refrigerator. This recall is classified as a Class I recall, which is the most serious category, indicating that there is a reasonable probability that using the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. While FSIS notes no confirmed illnesses have been reported yet, the absence of proof is not proof of safety; it simply means the window for harm has not yet closed for everyone who may have purchased these boxes.
In short, the hazard here is uncertainty. You cannot taste, see, or smell that a product was imported without proper oversight. The only way to eliminate this risk is to treat all products from this batch as potentially contaminated and remove them from your kitchen entirely.
Who is most at risk
While this specific recall stems from a procedural gap in import reinspection rather than a known biological contamination event like Salmonella or E. coli, the potential risks associated with raw beef imported without final U.S. oversight are significant enough to warrant caution for everyone. However, certain groups face higher consequences if that oversight failure results in undetected pathogens. The primary concern with any raw meat product is bacterial presence. When products bypass the standard reinspection process, there is a possibility that they may not meet all U.S. safety standards regarding microbial load or could carry pathogens that are typically caught during routine screening. Therefore, individuals with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to listeriosis, a serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. This pathogen can survive and grow at refrigeration temperatures, meaning it could potentially be present in improperly inspected raw beef even if stored correctly. For a healthy adult, exposure might result in mild, short-lived gastrointestinal distress. For a pregnant person, however, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Because the immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy to protect the fetus, the body is less able to fight off these specific bacteria, making prevention through avoiding potentially non-compliant products critical.
Older adults, typically those aged 65 and older, also face heightened risks due to an age-related decline in immune function. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at neutralizing harmful bacteria found in raw foods. A foodborne illness that might be a minor inconvenience for a young adult can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization, or even death in elderly individuals. Similarly, young children have developing immune systems that are not yet fully equipped to handle high loads of pathogens. Their smaller body mass means that the same amount of bacteria can cause more severe systemic reactions than it would in an adult.
Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or kidney disease, as well as those taking medications that suppress the immune system (such as after an organ transplant), are also in a high-risk category. Their bodies cannot mount a robust defense against foodborne pathogens. Since this recall involves approximately 29,628 pounds of raw beef distributed across Florida and Texas, anyone who purchased "Corte Argentino" brand cuts like Top Sirloin Butt, Eye Round, or Knuckle from distributors or retailers in those states should consider themselves potentially exposed. It is not about fear, but about risk management: for these vulnerable groups, the margin for error in food safety is virtually zero. For healthy adults, while the risk of severe illness is lower, the principle of avoiding uninspected imports remains a prudent step to prevent any possibility of infection.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased raw beef from Florida or Texas, it is critical that you inspect your refrigerator and freezer with care. The recall issued by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) involves approximately 29,628 pounds of product, meaning there is a genuine possibility that these items are still in private homes. Because the issue stems from an import violation rather than visible spoilage, the meat may look, smell, and feel completely normal. You cannot rely on your senses to determine safety; you must rely on specific labeling details. The first step is to locate the original packaging, which consists of various weight cardboard boxes. Do not discard the box until you have verified every detail below.
You are looking for products imported from Argentina under the brand name Corte Argentino. Specifically, check the labels for the producer name “FrigorIfico Gorina SAIC.” The recall covers five specific boneless cuts of beef. You need to look for any of the following English or Spanish names on the packaging:
- Top Sirloin Butt (labeled as “Cuadril Sin Tapa”)
- Eye Round (labeled as “Peceto”)
- Topside Cap Off (labeled as “Nalga AD S/Tapa”)
- Flat (labeled as “Carnaza Cuadrada”)
- Knuckle (labeled as “Bola de Lomo”)
Beyond the product name, two specific identifiers are mandatory for a match. First, look for the Argentinian establishment number EST. N° OF. 2025. Second, check for the shipping mark 26644-AA. If these codes are missing, the product is likely not part of this specific recall lot. Additionally, verify the production and expiration dates. The recalled items were produced between May 15, 2026, and May 20, 2026. Consequently, they will bear use-by or freeze-by dates falling between September 15, 2026, and September 20, 2026. If your product falls outside this production window or has a different establishment number, it is safe from this specific recall action.
Finally, consider where you bought the meat. The distribution list confirms that these products were sent to distributors and retailers specifically in Florida and Texas. If you purchased these items outside of these two states, or if they lack any of the specific codes and dates mentioned above, they are not part of this recall. When in doubt, do not guess. Contact Corte Argentino USA LLC at 786-350-5805 or email info@corteargentinoinc.com with photos of your labels for confirmation.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased any of the raw beef products listed in this recall from Corte Argentino USA LLC, your immediate priority is to ensure that these items do not enter your kitchen or your family’s diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has identified a critical import violation involving approximately 29,628 pounds of raw beef imported from Argentina without the required reinspection process. Because the safety verification steps that normally protect consumers were bypassed during importation, these products are considered unsafe for consumption regardless of their appearance or smell. Please follow these concrete steps to handle the situation safely and responsibly.
Step 1: Stop using the product immediately. If you have any of the recalled boneless beef cuts in your possession, do not cook them, prepare them, or serve them to anyone. This includes family members, guests, or pets. The specific items subject to this recall include various weights of cardboard boxes containing “FrigorIfico Gorina SAIC” boneless beef products: Top Sirloin Butt (Cuadril Sin Tapa), Eye Round (Peceto), Topside Cap Off (Nalga AD S/Tapa), Flat (Carnaza Cuadrada), and Knuckle (Bola de Lomo). These items were produced between May 15, 2026, and May 20, 2026, and bear use or freeze-by dates between September 15, 2026, and September 20, 2026. Look for the Argentinian establishment number “EST. N° OF. 2025” and the shipping mark “26644-AA” on the packaging to confirm if your product is part of this specific batch.
Step 2: Dispose of or return the product. You have two primary options for removing these items from your home. First, you may choose to throw the products away in a secure trash container to prevent them from being accessed by animals or others. Alternatively, you can return the products to the place where you purchased them. Retailers who received these goods are part of the distribution network that spans Florida and Texas, but because FSIS notes that some product may still be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers, returning the item ensures it is properly handled and does not pose a risk to the community.
Step 3: Contact the responsible party or authorities if needed. If you have questions about the recall or need assistance with the return process, you can contact Eial Kaplun, General Manager of Corte Argentino USA LLC, at 786-350-5805 or via email at info@corteargentinoinc.com. For broader food safety concerns, you may call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. Remember, while there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to these products yet, the risk exists due to the lack of import reinspection, so treating this as a serious safety matter is the correct approach.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you discover that a product is part of an official recall, the immediate concern is often what to do with the item itself, followed closely by how to get your money back. In this case, because Corte Argentino USA LLC is recalling raw beef products imported without the benefit of import reinspection, there is no "repair" or "replacement" in the traditional sense of fixing a broken appliance or swapping for a new unit of the same type. The remedy here is straightforward: you must not consume the product, and you should seek a refund by returning the items to the place where you purchased them.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has outlined that consumers who have purchased these specific raw beef products are urged to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. This dual option acknowledges that while some individuals may prefer the convenience of disposal, others may wish to recoup their financial loss through a retail transaction. If you choose to return the items, the process is generally handled directly by the retailer. You should bring the product, along with your receipt if you have it, to the store’s customer service or returns desk. Since the products were distributed to distributors and retailers in Florida and Texas, the specific policies of that individual store will dictate whether you receive a cash refund, store credit, or an exchange for a different product entirely. It is important to note that the recall notice does not specify a universal refund policy mandated by the manufacturer, so your experience may vary slightly depending on whether you bought from a large grocery chain or a smaller local butcher.
If you are unable to return the items to the store, or if you have already disposed of them and need verification for insurance or other purposes, you can contact the company directly. FSIS has provided specific contact information for Corte Argentino USA LLC for those with questions about the recall. You may reach Eial Kaplun, the General Manager, by phone at 786-350-5805 or via email at info@corteargentinoinc.com. While these contacts are primarily intended for recall inquiries, they can also provide guidance on how to proceed with refunds if the retail route is not viable for you.
It is worth noting that because this is a Class I recall involving a potential health hazard, the primary goal is removing the product from circulation to ensure safety. The financial aspect is secondary but still addressed through standard consumer protection norms. Do not attempt to sell or give away these items to others, as doing so could put other people at risk. Instead, focus on securing your refund through the retailer or by following the specific instructions provided by Corte Argentino USA LLC directly.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about throwing away food, especially when it represents a significant financial investment. With nearly 30,000 pounds of beef involved in this recall, the urge to check the expiration date and cook it anyway might feel like the most logical choice. However, ignoring this specific recall carries risks that go far beyond simple waste. The core issue here is not necessarily that the meat is spoiled or visibly contaminated with bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella at this moment, but rather that it bypassed a critical layer of federal oversight designed to protect public health.
When beef is imported into the United States, it must undergo a rigorous process of reinspection by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This step is not a formality; it is a vital safety checkpoint. The process verifies that the foreign establishment meets U.S. sanitation standards, that the meat has been handled correctly to prevent contamination, and that it is safe for human consumption. By importing these Corte Argentino products without this reinspection, that safety net was removed. We do not know what conditions existed during transport or storage in Argentina before the product arrived. Without that official verification, there is a possibility that the meat could harbor pathogens, be contaminated with foreign materials, or have been stored at unsafe temperatures that allowed harmful bacteria to multiply undetected.
While FSIS has reported no confirmed illnesses linked to these specific products so far, the absence of reported cases does not guarantee safety. Foodborne illnesses can take days to develop, and many mild cases go unreported because people assume they have a stomach bug. If you consume this meat and it is indeed unsafe, the consequences can range from severe gastrointestinal distress—featuring vomiting, diarrhea, and fever—to more serious complications that may require hospitalization. Certain groups, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, are at a much higher risk for severe outcomes.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall creates an unnecessary legal and safety gap. The "Class I" classification used by FSIS indicates that this is the most serious type of recall, meaning there is a reasonable probability that the food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. By continuing to eat these products, you are essentially gambling with your health on a product that has been deemed unsafe by federal authorities. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your food has met all U.S. safety standards is worth more than the cost of the beef. Do not wait for symptoms to appear; the risk is simply not worth taking when the remedy is so straightforward.