Kayem Foods Inc. of Chelsea, Massachusetts, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products after discovering that products were stored in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature deviations, potentially exposing the products to unsafe storage conditions. The recall was announced October 17, 2026, and classified as Class I — the USDA’s highest risk designation. No illnesses have been reported. The products were shipped nationwide and to Hong Kong.
What’s Being Recalled?
More than 100 ready-to-eat products are included, sold under eight brand names: Kayem, Al Fresco, Triple M, McKenzie, Deutschmacher, Jordan’s, Essem, and Winnisimmet St. Product categories include:
Hot dogs, cocktail franks, and beef franks in various sizes and styles
Kielbasa, bratwurst, and chicken sausage
Bacon in multiple varieties
Ham, turkey breast, and deli meats including bologna, corned beef, and liverwurst
Brisket, ham steaks, and meatballs
The recalled products were produced between approximately March 31 and October 7, 2026, and stored and shipped between June 7 and October 14, 2026. The full list of more than 100 products with UPC codes, production dates, and expiration dates is available at fsis.usda.gov under Recall 026-2026. FSIS is concerned some product may still be in consumers’ refrigerators.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
A retail customer complaint about “warm product temperatures” at delivery on October 1 prompted Kayem to investigate. The company determined that various ready-to-eat meat and poultry products had been stored in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature deviations. Ready-to-eat meat products that are exposed to temperatures above refrigeration standards can allow bacterial growth — including Listeria monocytogenes — to reach unsafe levels. Because these products require no further cooking before consumption, any bacterial growth presents a direct health risk.
What Should You Do?
Check your refrigerator for any Kayem, Al Fresco, Triple M, McKenzie, Deutschmacher, Jordan’s, Essem, or Winnisimmet St. brand deli meats, hot dogs, bacon, sausages, or other ready-to-eat meat products with production dates between March 31 and October 7, 2026. Do not eat the recalled products. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. The full product list is available at fsis.usda.gov under Recall 026-2026. Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) with questions.
