USDA issues high-risk recall of 1.5 million pounds of meat nationwide

DUANEWS | October 19, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a massive nationwide recall involving more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products over concerns that improper storage temperatures may have made the food unsafe for consumption.

The recall affects approximately 1,584,361 pounds of products manufactured by Kayem Foods Inc., a company based in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

Federal officials have classified the recall as Class I, the highest risk category, indicating that consuming the affected products could result in serious health consequences.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall includes a wide variety of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including hot dogs, frankfurters, bacon, ham, chicken sausages, kielbasa, deli meats, and turkey products.

The affected products were manufactured between March 31 and October 7, 2026, and distributed to retail stores and foodservice businesses across the United States, as well as Hong Kong.

Several brands are involved, including Kayem, Al Fresco, Genoa, Triple M, McKenzie, Deutschmacher, Jordan’s, Essem, and Winnisimmet.

What Caused the Recall?

According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the problem was discovered after a retail customer complained on October 1 that certain meat products arrived at unusually warm temperatures.

An investigation found that products had been stored in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature fluctuations.

Improper refrigeration can create conditions that allow harmful bacteria to multiply, potentially increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Florida Consumers Should Check Their Refrigerators

Because the recalled products were distributed nationwide, consumers in Florida should check whether they have purchased any affected items.

The USDA advises customers to look for establishment numbers EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, and EST. M 9520 on product packaging.

These identification numbers appear inside the USDA inspection mark.

Consumers should compare the product name, UPC code, and other identifying details with the official recall list.

The nationwide distribution does not necessarily mean that every store in Florida received the affected products.

Have Any Illnesses Been Reported?

As of the USDA’s October 17 announcement, there were no confirmed reports of illness associated with the recalled products.

However, federal officials are urging consumers not to take unnecessary risks.

The Class I designation represents the most serious recall classification used by the USDA.

What Should Consumers Do?

Anyone who has purchased an affected product should not eat it, even if it appears normal or does not have an unusual smell.

The USDA recommends throwing away the recalled products or returning them to the place of purchase.

Consumers who believe they have become ill after eating affected products should contact a healthcare provider.

For additional information, customers can contact Kayem Foods at 800-426-6100 or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.

USDA Continues Monitoring the Recall

Federal inspectors are conducting follow-up checks to ensure affected products are removed from distribution and that retailers have received the necessary notifications.

Additional information about retail locations may become available as the investigation continues.

DUANEWS encourages Florida residents to check their refrigerators and share this recall information with family members, particularly those who may have recently purchased packaged meat or poultry products.

Official Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture — Food Safety and Inspection Service, October 17, 2026.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFSIS/bulletins/42f8d37