Kayem Foods Inc. of Chelsea, Mass., is recalling approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products because they may have experienced temperature abuse during storage. FSIS announced the nationwide recall on Oct. 17, 2026, and classified it as Class I, the highest risk level. That means there is a reasonable probability that eating the products could cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. FSIS reports no confirmed illnesses so far.
What's Being Recalled?
The recall covers many ready-to-eat items of various weights, produced from about March 31, 2026, to Oct. 7, 2026. Kayem says they were stored and shipped from June 7 to Oct. 14, 2026. Brands named include Al Fresco, Deutschmacher, Essem, Genoa, Jordan's, Kayem, McKenzie, Triple M and Winnisimmet. Examples include Kayem Beef & Pork Hot Dogs, Double Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, Slow Smoked Beef Brisket, Genoa Hot Ham and Triple M Boneless Ham Steaks. Expiration dates range from May 2026 to February 2027. One example is Kayem Fenway Franks, SKU 1114, UPC 003077101114, with expiration dates of Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, 2026. Look inside the federal inspection seal for one of three codes: EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A or EST. M 9520. The products went to retail and foodservice locations nationwide and in Hong Kong. FSIS did not list specific stores or states. The full UPC list is in the FSIS Recall 026-2026 label document.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
Kayem received a retail customer complaint on Oct. 1 about products arriving warm. The company then determined that various products had been stored in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature deviations. Kayem attributes this to a cooling system malfunction at one of its warehouses. CEO Matt Monkiewicz said, "Out of an abundance of caution, we are undertaking this voluntary recall." FSIS has received no confirmed reports of illness tied to these products.
What Should You Do?
FSIS is concerned some product may still be in consumers' refrigerators. Do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. Check packages for the establishment codes above, and protect your household and your wallet by checking your receipts for a refund. Kayem Customer Service is available Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm EDT, at 800-426-6100 or [email protected]. For food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email [email protected]. If you are concerned about an illness, contact a healthcare provider.