Urgent Food Safety Alert: Kayem Foods Announces Massive Product Recall
In a significant move to ensure consumer safety, Kayem Foods, Inc. has initiated a voluntary product recall involving nearly 1.6 million pounds of ready-to-eat cooked meat and poultry products. This decision comes after a critical cooling system failure was discovered at one of the company’s warehouses, leading to storage temperature deviations that could compromise food safety.
The recall was coordinated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to prevent potential health risks to the public.
What Happened? The Root of the Recall
According to a statement from Matt Monkiewicz, President and CEO of Kayem Foods, the issue stemmed from a cooling system malfunction. This technical failure meant that certain products were not kept at the strictly required temperatures necessary to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
“We take food safety very seriously and apologize to our valued consumers,” stated Monkiewicz. “Our management team takes full responsibility. We have learned from and corrected the issue and will not allow this to happen again.”
Which Products are Affected?
The scope of this recall is broad, covering a wide array of popular ready-to-eat meats. If you have any of the following items in your fridge or freezer, check them immediately:
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- Bacon and Brisket
- Bologna and Corned Beef
- Bratwurst and Kielbasa
- Chicken Sausage
- Frankfurters and Hot Dogs
How to Identify Recalled Products
To determine if your food is part of the recall, look for the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Specifically, check for the following establishment numbers:
- EST. M/P 7839
- EST. P 20935A
- EST. M 9520
Production & Shipping Dates: The affected meats were produced between March 31 and October 7 and were shipped to various locations nationwide and as far as Hong Kong between June 7 and October 14.
Safety Recommendations: What Should You Do?
While no illnesses have been reported to date, the USDA and Kayem Foods strongly advise that consumers should not eat any recalled products. Improperly stored meats can lead to food-borne illnesses if not kept at the correct temperature (refrigerated at 40°F or frozen at 0°F).
Immediate Steps to Take:
- Discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
- Consult a healthcare provider if you feel unwell after consuming any of the mentioned products.
- Stay informed by visiting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or the USDA website for official lists.
Contact Information for Consumers
If you have questions or need further instructions on product disposal, you can reach out through the following channels:
- Kayem Foods Customer Service: 800-426-6100 or info@kayem.com
- USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or MPHotline@usda.gov
