Nearly 30,000 pounds of raw beef imported from Argentina and sold in Texas and Florida is under recall by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to missed import re-inspection failures. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service classified the recalled beef as a Class I health hazard, the agency’s highest risk category. The recall notice did not mention any specific contaminants. Dr. Darin Detwiler, a nationally recognized food safety advocate, professor, and policy advocate, said the Class I designation suggests the issue is more than routine paperwork.

He noted that the recall came amid heightened attention on foreign beef imports and shortly after President Trump announced a plan to allow up to 300,000 pounds of foreign beef over 90 days at reduced prices. Detwiler questioned the timing and characterization of the recall, stating it was curious to assign the highest risk level without specifying a contaminant. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico criticized the administration’s plan, calling it a political stunt that harms Texas cattlemen.

Republican candidate Ken Paxton’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Online discussion has fueled confusion about the beef imports and recall, with Detwiler observing conflicting information circulating during the recall period.