Temperature abuse triggers nationwide recall of 1.58 million pounds of hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats

Federal food safety officials have updated consumer warnings regarding a nationwide meat recall, confirming that more than 1.58 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have been pulled due to potential temperature abuse during storage.

The recall (designated FSIS Recall 026-2026) was initiated by Chelsea, Massachusetts-based processor Kayem Foods Inc. in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

According to federal regulators, the issue was uncovered after a retail customer filed a complaint on October 1 reporting warm product temperatures upon delivery. A subsequent internal investigation revealed that finished products had been stored in a warehouse cooler that suffered significant temperature deviations, compromising the commercial cold chain.

Impacted Brands and Product Lines

The recall covers ready-to-eat meat and poultry items produced between March 31, 2026, and October 7, 2026, shipped to retail grocers and food service establishments nationwide.

Impacted products span dozens of items, including bacon, bun-length hot dogs, dinner franks, bratwursts, kielbasa, deli hams, sliced roast beef, bologna, and fully cooked chicken sausages sold under widely distributed brand names:

• Kayem (Beef hot dogs, Fenway Franks, Old Tyme franks, cocktail minis)

• al fresco (Spinach & Feta chicken sausage, sweet Italian chicken sausage, meatballs)

• McKenzie Artisan Deli / McKenzie Country Classics (Cob-smoked bacon, uncured bacon, rotisserie turkey breast, Genoa ham)

• Triple M (Boneless ham)

• Deutschmacher, Jordan’s, and Essem branded cold cuts and provisions

How to Identify Affected Products

Consumers can check whether items currently in their refrigerator or freezer are subject to the recall by looking for the USDA mark of inspection on the product packaging.

Affected items bear one of three establishment numbers printed inside the circular USDA inspection seal:

• EST. M/P 7839

• EST. P 20935A

• EST. M 9520

Consumer Actions and Health Risks

While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or illnesses linked to consuming these products, FSIS warns that prolonged temperature abuse can accelerate the growth of foodborne pathogens without necessarily causing visible spoilage or off-putting odors.

Officials urge households across the Golden Strip to take immediate steps:

1. Check Refrigerator and Freezer Stock: Look through deli drawers and freezer compartments for any of the listed brands carrying the affected establishment codes.

2. Do Not Consume: Do not eat, sample, or serve any recalled items.

3. Discard or Return: Throw the products away in a sealed garbage bag or return them to the grocery store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Kayem Foods Customer Service directly at 1-800-426-6100 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT) or email [email protected].

The complete, item-by-item listing of affected universal product codes (UPCs) and date stamps is accessible through the USDA-FSIS portal at fsis.usda.gov.