A major food recall in the United States is raising concerns after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are being recalled because of possible unsafe storage temperatures.
The recall involves products made by Kayem Foods Inc., a company based in Chelsea, Massachusetts. According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), some products may have been stored at temperatures that could allow harmful pathogens to grow.
The recall was announced on October 17, 2026, and includes products distributed to retail stores and foodservice locations across the United States, as well as Hong Kong.
Here is what consumers need to know about the recall, the affected brands, and how to check potentially impacted products.
Why Is the USDA Recalling Meat Products?
The recall was initiated after a retail customer reported receiving products that were warm upon delivery on October 1, 2026.
Kayem Foods investigated the complaint and discovered that a warehouse cooler had experienced temperature fluctuations because of a cooling-system malfunction. As a result, certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products may not have been stored under appropriate temperature conditions.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service classified the recall as Class I, its highest-risk category. This classification means there is a reasonable probability that consuming affected products could cause serious health consequences or death.
As of the agency’s announcement, no confirmed illnesses had been linked to the recalled products.
Which Brands Are Included in the Meat Recall?
The recall covers various ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under multiple brand names.
Affected brands include:
Kayem
Al Fresco
McKenzie
Triple M
Deutschmacher
Genoa
Jordan’s
Essem
Winnisimmet St. Butchery
The affected products include different types of hot dogs, bacon, sausages, ham, turkey, smoked brisket, and other fully cooked meat products.
Not every product sold under these brands is necessarily affected. Consumers should check the specific product name, package details, and identifying codes against the official recall list.
When Were the Affected Products Produced?
According to the USDA, the products covered by the recall were produced approximately between March 31, 2026, and October 7, 2026.
Some affected products may have a long shelf life, which means they could still be stored in refrigerators or freezers.
Consumers should check the official recall notice for the complete list of products, including package labels and UPC codes.
The affected products may carry one of these establishment numbers inside the USDA mark of inspection:
EST. M/P 7839
EST. P 20935A
EST. M 9520
These numbers can help consumers identify potentially affected products, but they should be checked alongside the complete product information in the official notice.
What Should Consumers Do If They Have Recalled Meat?
The USDA advises consumers who purchased affected products not to eat them.
Instead, consumers should:
Check their refrigerators and freezers for potentially affected meat and poultry products.
Compare product labels and UPC codes with the official recall list.
Throw away confirmed recalled products or return them to the place of purchase.
Avoid serving or distributing affected products to other people.
If you are unsure whether a product is included, consult the official USDA recall notice before consuming it.
Anyone who is concerned about a possible illness after consuming an affected product should contact a healthcare professional.
How to Check the Official USDA Recall List
The safest way to confirm whether a particular product is included is to review the official announcement from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The notice provides information about the affected products, production dates, establishment numbers, and consumer instructions.
Official USDA recall notice:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFSIS/bulletins/42f8d37
Consumers can also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 for food safety questions.
Has Anyone Become Sick From the Recalled Products?
At the time of the USDA announcement, officials had reported no confirmed illnesses associated with the recalled products.
However, the absence of confirmed illnesses does not mean the affected products are safe to consume. The recall was issued because of concerns about temperature deviations during storage.
Consumers should follow the agency’s instructions and avoid eating products confirmed to be part of the recall.
Final Thoughts
The USDA’s October 2026 meat recall affects approximately 1.58 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products manufactured by Kayem Foods Inc.
The affected items include hot dogs, bacon, sausages, ham, turkey, and other products sold under several brand names. The concern involves a warehouse cooling-system malfunction that may have exposed products to unsafe storage temperatures.
Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers, verify product details using the official USDA notice, and avoid eating any confirmed recalled items.
For the latest information, consult the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s official recall announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much meat is included in the USDA recall?
Approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are included.
Which company issued the recall?
Kayem Foods Inc., based in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
What caused the recall?
A warehouse cooling-system malfunction resulted in temperature fluctuations during storage.
Have any illnesses been confirmed?
No confirmed illnesses were reported in the USDA announcement.
What should consumers do with affected products?
Do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, following the USDA’s instructions.
This article is for informational purposes. Product details and safety instructions should be verified through the official USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announcement.
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