Key takeaways
- The USDA recalled more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products
- The USDA classified the recall as Class I after a warehouse cooling system malfunction raised concerns about potentially unsafe meat
- Products from Kayem, Al Fresco and other brands were recalled nationwide
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a massive nationwide recall that involves more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including hot dogs, bacon, sausages and deli meats. This was done due to concerns that improper storage temperatures may have made them unsafe to eat.
The recall was announced on Oct. 17, and it affects approximately 1,584,361 pounds of products distributed across the United States and Hong Kong by Massachusetts-based Kayem Foods Inc.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) classified the recall as Class I, which is its highest risk category that indicates a reasonable probability that consuming the affected products could cause serious health consequences or death.
Which Meat Products Are Included in the USDA Recall?
The recall covers numerous fully cooked products that were manufactured between March 31 and October 7, 2026. Affected products include hot dogs, bacon, ham, turkey breast, chicken sausages, kielbasa, bratwurst, bologna and other packaged meats sold under several well-known brands.
These include Kayem, Al Fresco, McKenzie, Triple M, Deutschmacher, Jordan's and Essem.
The recalled products were distributed to grocery stores, retailers and foodservice businesses nationwide. This raises serious concerns that some consumers may still have affected items in their refrigerators.
Consumers can identify potentially recalled products by checking for the following establishment numbers inside the USDA inspection mark: "EST. M/P 7839," "EST. P 20935A" or "EST. M 9520."
What Caused the Massive Meat Recall?
According to the USDA, the problem was discovered after a retail customer complained about receiving meat products at unusually warm temperatures on Oct. 1. An investigation subsequently revealed that a warehouse cooling system malfunctioned, which exposed stored meat and poultry products to temperature fluctuations.
Such conditions can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, and could make food unsafe even when it has already been cooked.
Despite the seriousness of the warning, the USDA said no illnesses linked to the recalled products had been confirmed at the time of its announcement.
(Source: Food Safety and Inspection Service)
What Should Consumers Do?
The USDA has urged consumers not to eat any affected products, and warned that some could still be stored in household refrigerators.
Consumers should compare product labels, UPC codes and establishment numbers against the agency's official recall list. Any recalled products should be discarded or returned to the retailer where they were purchased.
Kayem Foods has also been contacting retail and wholesale customers to ensure the affected products are removed from distribution.
Consumers can review the official USDA recall announcement or contact Kayem Foods at 800-426-6100 for additional information.
