USDA Recalls Over 1.5 Million Pounds of Meat Products Due to Storage Concerns
The recall impacts various ready-to-eat meat and poultry items distributed nationwide and in Hong Kong.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a recall of over 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products manufactured by Kayem Foods Inc. The recall is due to concerns about improper temperature control during storage at one of the company's warehouses.
The affected products, produced between March 31 and October 7, were shipped between June 7 and October 14. The issue came to light when a customer reported receiving warm products on October 1. The recall encompasses a wide variety of items, including deli hams, ham steaks, beef, bacon, hot dogs, chicken meatballs, turkey breasts, sausages, kielbasa, polish loaf, corned beef, and liverwurst.
The specific establishment numbers associated with the recalled products are "EST. M/P 7839,” “EST. P 20935A,” and “EST. M 9520” within the USDA mark of inspection. Consumers can identify affected items by checking product labels, lists of products, and UPC codes.
While there have been no reported illnesses linked to the consumption of these products, the FSIS is urging consumers who have purchased them not to eat them. The recalled items should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
Kayem Foods, a family-owned company established in 1909, has issued an apology for the incident. Matt Monkiewicz, President and CEO of Kayem Foods, stated, "Our business depends on providing consumers with safe food of the highest quality. Out of an abundance of caution, we are undertaking this voluntary recall."
Monkiewicz added, "We take food safety very seriously and apologize to our valued consumers. Our management team takes full responsibility. We have learned from and corrected the issue and will not allow this to happen again."
The company is also contacting its wholesale and retail customers directly with instructions on handling the recalled products. Consumers with further questions can reach Kayem Foods customer service at 800-426-6100 or [email protected].
