Lady May Tallow Resumes Sales Following USDA Recall of Cooking Product

Lady May Tallow Resumes Sales Following USDA Recall of Cooking Product

Lady May Tallow, a Mississippi-based producer, has resumed the sale of its beef tallow products after a temporary recall implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture. The recall affected over 30,000 pounds of beef tallow due to a labeling discrepancy.

Understanding the Recall

On February 6, the company received notification regarding a labeling issue linked to their 24-ounce beef tallow intended for cooking. A representative from Lady May Tallow released a statement confirming the situation.

Statement from Lady May Tallow

According to the statement, “While the product itself remains completely safe and unaffected, the labeling required correction. As a result, our manufacturer, Common Sense Soap, initiated a voluntary recall to ensure compliance.” This compliance measure has enabled the company to address potential consumer confusion.

The Role of Beef Tallow in Cooking and Cosmetics

Beef tallow, the fat surrounding a cow’s kidney, plays a versatile role as both a cooking ingredient and a component in various cosmetic products. Lady May Tallow markets a variety of items, including skincare products and candles, leveraging the unique benefits of beef tallow.

Sales Resumption and Product Updates

Sales of the corrected beef tallow products resumed on February 14. Chris McDonald, the founder of Lady May Tallow, confirmed this development in a follow-up statement.

Details of the Recall

The USDA indicated that this recall specifically targeted the cooking tallow product. It did not demand the return of any of Lady May Tallow’s other offerings. The affected tallow was available in various sizes, adding to its widespread distribution.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who purchased the 24-ounce beef tallow for cooking between October 16, 2024, and February 6, 2025, are advised to dispose of the product. Lady May Tallow has provided a straightforward method for obtaining a replacement. Customers can simply email a photo of the product, along with their receipt, to the company.

A Learning Experience for the Company

Lady May Tallow expressed gratitude towards its customers in the aftermath of the recall. The company referred to the situation as a valuable learning opportunity, noting, “We sincerely appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support.” This optimistic sentiment indicates the company’s commitment to improving its processes.

The Manufacturing Background

The recalled products were produced by Common Sense Soap, a New Hampshire-based company. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released a statement on February 12 outlining the details of the recall.

Regulatory Compliance

According to the USDA, the recalled tallow lacked the necessary USDA inspection mark. Additionally, Common Sense Soap does not have a federal grant of inspection that allows it to produce food products. This discrepancy raised concerns about safety and compliance standards.

Health Department Findings

The issue was discovered after a local health department alerted the USDA about the beef tallow products. Following the notification, it became evident that Lady May Tallow had contracted with Common Sense Soap for the processing, packaging, and labeling of its tallow products.

Safety Assessments and Consumer Assurance

Despite the recall, FSIS has reported no adverse reactions related to the beef tallow. The agency reassured the public by stating, “Common Sense Soap does not possess a federal grant of inspection and is not authorized to produce products intended for human consumption.” This statement clarifies the distinction between unsafe and compliant products.

Looking Ahead

As Lady May Tallow moves forward, the company aims to enhance its product oversight and labeling processes. The recent recall serves not only as a lesson but also as a prompt to ensure stringent quality control measures are in place.

The recent developments in the beef tallow sector highlight the importance of regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and consumer safety. As sales pick back up, Lady May Tallow remains focused on delivering high-quality products that meet both regulatory standards and customer expectations.