USDA Recalls Nearly 34,000 Pounds of Beef Tallow Due to Unauthorized Production
A major recall has been issued for approximately 33,899 pounds of beef tallow produced by Common Sense Soap, a New Hampshire-based company, after it was discovered that the company lacked the necessary federal inspection for food production. The recall, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), affects beef tallow products sold under the Lady May Tallow brand.
The issue stems from Common Sense Soap’s failure to obtain a federal grant of inspection before selling the tallow as a food product. While the company labeled the packaging as "safe for human consumption," it did not undergo the required USDA food safety inspection. This poses a potential public health risk, as consumers may have unknowingly purchased an unregulated product that lacked official food safety oversight.
The recall covers four specific products, all packaged in white containers with golden Lady May Tallow branded labels. These include 24-fluid-ounce glass jars, two-pound plastic tubs, 7.8 to 8-pound plastic tubs, and 16-pound plastic tubs, all labeled as “grass-fed beef tallow” and marketed as an all-natural product. The products in question were manufactured between October 16, 2024, and February 6, 2025.
Although the FSIS has not received reports of adverse reactions linked to the recalled tallow, it has urged consumers to either return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it. The agency also noted that the recall was initiated after a local health department flagged the unauthorized sale of the product. The discovery raised concerns that consumers may have unknowingly consumed a product that had not been subjected to USDA regulatory inspections, which are designed to ensure food safety.
A spokesperson for Lady May Tallow acknowledged the issue and stated that the manufacturer voluntarily recalled the bulk beef tallow to correct the labeling. The company has since reintroduced the product with the proper labeling to comply with federal regulations. Despite this response, the recall highlights the risks associated with companies selling food products without the necessary government oversight.
The Risks of Consuming Uninspected Beef Tallow
Consumers who purchased the recalled beef tallow may have unknowingly exposed themselves to health risks. The lack of proper USDA inspection means there is no official verification that the tallow was processed under safe and sanitary conditions. This raises concerns about potential contamination, improper handling, and the possibility of harmful bacteria being present in the product.
Uninspected meat products can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses. Symptoms of food poisoning from contaminated meat products include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. For individuals with weakened immune systems, such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions, consuming unregulated food products can pose serious health complications.
Beyond the health risks, misleading packaging can cause consumers to unknowingly violate dietary restrictions or consume products they would otherwise avoid. By labeling the tallow as “safe for human consumption” without proper inspection, the company may have misled consumers into believing they were purchasing a USDA-approved food product. The unauthorized sale of food items without regulatory approval not only jeopardizes public health but also violates federal laws designed to protect consumers.
Legal Options for Consumers Affected by the Recall
Consumers who have suffered health complications or financial losses due to the recalled beef tallow may have legal grounds to seek compensation. When a company misrepresents a product’s safety or sells food without proper regulatory approval, it can be held liable for any harm caused by that product.
Individuals who became ill after consuming the recalled tallow may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit against Common Sense Soap and Lady May Tallow. Product liability laws hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when they sell defective or dangerous products to consumers. In this case, the failure to obtain a federal grant of inspection before selling the product as food could be grounds for legal action.
Victims can pursue legal claims based on misrepresentation, negligence, and failure to warn. A misrepresentation claim would focus on the company’s misleading labeling, which indicated that the product was safe for consumption despite not being inspected. A negligence claim would argue that the company failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the product met food safety standards before selling it to the public. A failure-to-warn claim would emphasize that consumers were not properly informed about the risks associated with consuming an uninspected food product.
The Product Liability Lawsuit Process
Filing a lawsuit for injuries caused by an unsafe product involves several key steps. The process typically begins with gathering evidence to establish a link between the product and the harm suffered. This can include medical records, receipts proving the purchase of the recalled beef tallow, and lab testing results confirming contamination or safety violations.
Once sufficient evidence is collected, the lawsuit is filed in court, outlining the allegations against the manufacturer or distributor. The discovery phase follows, during which both parties exchange evidence, including internal company records that may reveal violations of safety regulations. Many product liability cases are settled before trial, but if no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to court, where a judge or jury determines liability and potential compensation.
Why Legal Representation is Essential
Product liability lawsuits can be complex, especially when they involve food safety violations and regulatory failures. An attorney with experience in food safety litigation can help victims build a strong case, gather expert testimony, and negotiate fair compensation. Without legal representation, consumers may struggle to prove their claims and may not receive the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A skilled attorney can also ensure that responsible companies are held accountable for violating food safety regulations. This not only benefits the individual victims seeking compensation but also helps prevent future incidents by pushing manufacturers and distributors to comply with strict safety standards.
Recoverable Damages in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Consumers harmed by the recalled beef tallow may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Those who suffered foodborne illnesses or other health complications could seek damages for medical bills, hospitalization costs, and prescription medications. If illness caused a loss of income due to missed work, victims could also recover lost wages.
Additionally, pain and suffering damages may be awarded to compensate for physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by consuming an unsafe product. In cases where gross negligence is proven, punitive damages could also be pursued to punish the company and deter future misconduct.
If you or a loved one experienced health issues or financial losses due to the recalled beef tallow, legal action may be an option. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to holding companies accountable when they mislead consumers and sell unsafe food products.
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