Kayem Foods Recalls Over 1.5 Million Pounds of Meat and Poultry Products

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 United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced. The extensive recall covers popular items such as hot dogs, bacon, chicken sausage, deli meats, and brisket produced by Kayem Foods Inc.

The voluntary recall was initiated after the Chelsea, Massachusetts-based company discovered a cooling system malfunction at one of its warehouse facilities. The equipment breakdown led to storage temperature deviations outside the safe range for food storage, which was initially flagged following a retail customer complaint regarding warm product temperatures at the point of delivery.

The affected merchandise encompasses nearly 500 different products distributed to retail stores and foodservice providers across the United States, as well as international destinations in Hong Kong. The items were produced between late March and early October, and some shipments occurred through mid-October according to company and regulatory statements.

Recalled foods were distributed under several major brand names. These include Kayem, Al Fresco, McKenzie, Triple M, Genoa, Deutschmacher, Jordan’s, Essem, and Winnisimmet. Specific items range from Fenway Franks and kielbasa to various flavors of fully cooked chicken sausage, turkey breast, and thick-cut bacon.

Federal regulators have given the recall its highest-level classification, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the affected goods could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Products included in the recall bear the establishment numbers "EST. M/P 7839," "EST. P 20935A," and "EST. M 9520" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Kayem President and CEO Matt Monkiewicz addressed the incident in a statement, emphasizing that the company took full responsibility for the malfunction. "Out of an abundance of caution, we are undertaking this voluntary recall," Monkiewicz said, adding that management has corrected the issue to ensure it does not happen again.

Health officials and company representatives strongly advise consumers not to eat any of the affected products. Instead, customers should immediately discard the items or return them to the place of purchase. Food safety authorities remain concerned that some of these goods may still be sitting in home refrigerators and freezers.

No illnesses or adverse health reactions have been officially linked to the consumption of the recalled products so far. Anyone who has questions or concerns about potential foodborne exposure is urged to contact a healthcare provider or reach out directly to Kayem Foods.