By Wausau Pilot & Review
More than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat beef, pork and poultry products distributed nationwide have been recalled because of improper storage temperatures that could pose a serious health risk, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Kayem Foods Inc. issued the recall after discovering that products stored in a warehouse cooler had been exposed to temperatures outside acceptable limits, according to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The recall has been classified as Class I, the agency’s most serious designation, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the affected products could cause serious health consequences or death.
The products were distributed to retailers, deli counters and food service establishments nationwide, potentially including locations in Wisconsin.
What products are being recalled?
The recall includes dozens of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under several brand names, including Kayem, Al Fresco, McKenzie, Triple M, Deutschmacher, Jordan’s and Essem.
Among the affected products are:
Hot dogs and franks: Kayem Old Tyme Beef & Pork Franks, Kayem Beef Hot Dogs, Kayem Fenway Franks, Jordan’s Frankfurters and Essem Frankfurters.Sausages and bratwurst: Kayem Beef Kielbasa, Kayem Pale Ale Bratwurst and several Al Fresco chicken sausage varieties, including Spinach & Feta, Sweet Apple, Roasted Garlic and Hot Honey.Bacon: Kayem Slow Smoked Bacon varieties, McKenzie Thick Cut Bacon and Winnisimmet St Butchery Slow Smoked Bacon.Ham and deli meats: Triple M Budaball Ham, McKenzie Black Forest Uncured Ham, Deutschmacher Honey Ham and Kayem Extra Lean Corned Beef.Poultry products: McKenzie Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, McKenzie Honey Maple Turkey Breast and Al Fresco Chicken Meatballs.
Consumers should check product packaging for the establishment numbers EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A or EST. M 9520.
Not every product bearing those establishment numbers is necessarily affected. Consumers should compare product names, UPC codes, lot numbers and expiration dates against the USDA’s official recall list.
A complete nine-page list of affected products is available on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website.
How was the problem discovered?
According to federal officials, Kayem Foods began investigating after a retail customer reported receiving products at unusually warm temperatures during an Oct. 1 delivery.
The investigation determined that various meat and poultry products had been stored in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature deviations.
Improper refrigeration can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, potentially making ready-to-eat foods unsafe for consumption.
As of the Oct. 19 recall announcement, no illnesses associated with the affected products had been reported.
What should consumers do?
Federal food safety officials are urging consumers to check refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products.
Anyone who purchased an affected item should not eat it, even if it appears normal or does not have an unusual odor.
Consumers should throw away recalled products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Restaurants, retailers and other food service establishments also should check their inventories to ensure recalled products are not served or sold.
Consumers with questions can contact Kayem Foods Customer Service at 800-426-6100 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information, including product labels and the complete recall notice, is available through the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
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