Kayem Foods Issues Major Meat Recall: What You Need to Know

Kayem Foods Inc. is recalling approximately 1.58 million pounds of its ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. This decision arises from a malfunction in the cooling system of its warehouse, which raised alarms about whether certain products may have been kept at unsafe temperatures.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made this announcement on October 17, 2026, urging consumers to avoid the affected items.

Scope of the Recall

The recall includes products produced between March 31 and October 7, 2026, and were distributed across various retail and foodservice outlets in the U.S. and Hong Kong. Although there have been no reported illnesses linked to the products at this time, the potential for unsafe consumption remains.

Identifying Affected Products

This recall impacts several brands, including Kayem, Al Fresco, McKenzie, and Triple M. Specific items under this recall include ready-to-eat products like:

• Hot dogs
• Bacon
• Sausages
• Turkey breasts
• Ham

It is important to note that not every product under these brands is included in the recall. Consumers are advised to verify the product name, package label, Universal Product Code (UPC), and lot code against the official recall information.

To identify potentially affected products, look for one of the following establishment numbers on the USDA inspection mark: EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, or EST. M 9520.

Why This Recall Matters

The importance of this recall is rooted in food safety. Ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are designed to be consumed without further cooking. If these items are not stored properly, the risk of harmful bacteria growth increases, leading to potential foodborne illnesses.

The FSIS has categorized this recall as a Class I, indicating the highest level of risk. This classification signals that there is a reasonable chance consuming the recalled products could result in serious health consequences or even death, though no illnesses have been confirmed.

Kayem Foods initiated the voluntary recall on October 16, following a report from a retail customer on October 1 about products arriving at improper temperatures. In response, the company investigated and discovered temperature inconsistencies in their warehouse cooling system.

Actions for Consumers

Consumers who may have purchased these potentially affected meat and poultry products should carefully check their refrigerators and freezers against the official recall list. If you identify any affected products, do not consume them, irrespective of their appearance or smell.

The FSIS advises discarding, or returning the recalled items to the point of purchase. Additionally, it’s crucial to clean any surfaces, utensils, or containers that might have come into contact with the recalled food to prevent cross-contamination.

If you have consumed a recalled item and are feeling unwell, it is essential to seek advice from a healthcare provider.

For any inquiries, consumers can reach Kayem Foods customer service at 800-426-6100 or email [email protected]. Their customer service operates weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. For broader food safety queries, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-674-6854.

To stay informed, consumers should always check product details against the official USDA recall notice or Kayem Foods' announcements before consuming products potentially affected by this recall.