NATIONWIDE — More than 1.5 million pounds of fully cooked meat and poultry products are being recalled nationwide due to potential temperature abuse during storage, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Saturday.
The extensive recall covers hot dogs, bacon, chicken sausage, deli meats, and various other popular products produced by Kayem Foods Inc. The items were distributed under major brand names, including Kayem, Al Fresco, McKenzie, Triple M, and several others.
Cause of the Recall
Kayem Foods Inc. initiated the recall after discovering a cooling system malfunction at one of its warehouse facilities. The equipment breakdown resulted in storage temperature deviations, potentially compromising the safety of the stored meat and poultry items.
The recalled products were shipped to retail stores and foodservice providers across the United States, as well as international destinations in Hong Kong.
Affected Brands and Products
The recall encompasses a wide variety of packaged meats and deli products across several well-known brands:
- Kayem: Includes Old Tyme Frankfurters, Fenway Franks, Kielbasa, Bratwurst, Slow Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, Polish Loaf, Corned Beef, and Bologna.
- Al Fresco: Includes various flavors of fully cooked chicken sausage (e.g., Sweet Apple, Roasted Garlic, Spinach & Feta), breakfast sausage links and patties, chicken meatballs, and turkey breast.
- McKenzie: Includes natural casing franks, liverwurst, Angus roast beef, cob-smoked uncured bacon, uncured ham, and turkey breast.
- Triple M: Includes Budaball Bone-In Ham, Chef’s Delight Tavern Ham, and Ham Steaks.
- Additional Brands: Includes Genoa Hot Ham, Deutschmacher Honey Ham and Liverwurst, Jordan’s Ball Game Treats and Frankfurters, Essem Frankfurters, and Winnisimmet Slow Smoked Roasted Bacon.
How to Check Your Products
FSIS emphasizes that a product name alone is not enough to determine whether an item is part of the recall. To verify if a product in your refrigerator or freezer is affected, take the following steps:
- Check the Details: Locate the brand, exact product name, package size, UPC, and lot code on the packaging.
- Compare Codes: Match these details directly against Kayem’s official affected-product list or the full FSIS product list.
- Contact Customer Service: If you cannot read the lot code or remain unsure if your item is included, contact Kayem Foods at 800-426-6100 or via email at info@kayem.com.
Consumer Guidance
No illnesses or adverse health reactions have been reported in connection with the recall so far.
Health officials strongly advise consumers not to consume any affected products. Recalled items should immediately be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about potential foodborne illness or exposure is urged to contact a healthcare provider.
