Maple Leaf Foods Recalls Over 12,000 Pounds of Bacon Due to Import Inspection Bypass

More than 12,000 pounds of bacon have been recalled due to concerns that the product entered the United States without undergoing a required federal food safety inspection. Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 12,036 pounds of refrigerated smoked bacon imported from Canada.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall, stating that the meat bypassed a key inspection process. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported, officials caution consumers against consuming the affected bacon, as imported meat not subjected to mandatory inspection may present potential health risks.

The recalled products were produced in June 2026 and distributed to Grocery Outlet stores and other retailers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Two specific products are included in the recall:

• Royale Natural Applewood Smoked All Natural Uncured Bacon, Product of Canada (12-ounce vacuum package) with sell-by dates of September 1, 2026, and September 7, 2026.
• Top Valu Uncured Hardwood Smoked Bacon, Product of Canada (12-ounce vacuum package) with sell-by dates of September 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7, 2026.

Recalled items can be identified by the Canadian establishment number 'EST. 1' printed on the side of the package. The master case boxes bear the health certificate number 2026-S732971612.

FSIS mandates that imported meat products undergo reinspection after clearing customs. This process is designed to verify documentation, labeling, packaging, and the condition of the products, and may include contaminant testing before the items can be legally sold in the U.S. The issue came to light during routine inspection activities.

Consumers who purchased the recalled bacon are urged not to eat it. They can either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure the products are removed from store shelves and that distributors have been notified.

This bacon recall is among a series of meat and poultry alerts issued in the U.S. this year. Federal food safety agencies have previously warned consumers to check for recalled products, including ready-to-eat meats, sausages, and beef, due to contamination concerns, undeclared allergens, or the potential presence of foreign objects.

For questions regarding the recall, consumers can contact Maple Leaf Foods vice president of communications Adam Emery at 416-518-5131 or via email at [email protected]. For general food safety inquiries, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline can be reached at 888-674-6854.