More Than 1.5 Million Pounds of Hot Dogs, Bacon and Deli Meats Recalled Nationwide

 

WASHINGTON, DC — Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators and freezers following a nationwide recall of more than 1.5 million pounds of hot dogs, bacon, sausages and deli meats over potentially unsafe storage temperatures.

Massachusetts-based Kayem Foods Inc. is recalling approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, according to an October 17, 2026, announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products were distributed to retailers and food-service businesses across the United States and in Hong Kong.

Federal regulators classified the action as a Class I recall, the USDA’s most serious category, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming affected products could cause serious health consequences or death.

No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recall.

Which Brands and Products Are Affected?

The recall covers products manufactured between approximately March 31 and October 7, 2026, including hot dogs, frankfurters, bacon, breakfast sausages, chicken sausages, ham, turkey breast, brisket, and meatballs.

Affected products were sold under several brands:

• Kayem

• Al Fresco

• McKenzie

• Triple M

• Deutschmacher

• Jordan’s

• Essem

• Winnisimmet St. Butchery

Examples include Kayem Fenway Franks, Kayem Old Tyme Beef & Pork Franks, Al Fresco chicken breakfast sausages, and McKenzie Cob Smoked Bacon.

Not every product sold under these brands is necessarily affected. Consumers should compare their packages against the USDA’s complete recall list.

Check These Three Numbers on Your Packaging

Recalled products carry one of the following establishment numbers inside the USDA inspection mark:

Important: Consumers should also verify the product name, UPC code and applicable dates against the official recall information. An establishment number alone does not mean every product from that facility was recalled.

What Caused the Recall?

The recall followed a customer complaint about meat products arriving unusually warm during an October 1 delivery.

Kayem Foods investigated and determined that various products had been stored in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature deviations.

Improper refrigeration can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, creating potential food safety risks.

The recall was initiated because of unsafe storage concerns, not because a specific bacterial contaminant had been confirmed.

What Should Consumers Do?

The USDA advises consumers who have recalled products to stop eating them immediately, even if they look and smell normal.

Affected products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers should check both refrigerators and freezers.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness after eating an affected product should contact a healthcare professional.

For assistance, contact:

• Kayem Foods: 800-426-6100 | info@kayem.com

• USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854

Consumers can also visit the USDA Food Safety Recall Center to locate the official recall notice and complete product information.

Bottom line: With more than 1.5 million pounds of meat affected, consumers should carefully inspect packages before preparing hot dogs, bacon, deli sandwiches, or other ready-to-eat meats.