USDA Recalls Over 1.5 Million Pounds of Meat Products

Consumers nationwide should check their freezers for Kayem-produced meats subject to a serious Class I recall.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food

Rows of sealed industrial cold-storage containers stacked in a sterile, dimly lit warehouse facility. — The USDA has issued a Class I recall for over 1.5 million pounds of Kayem-produced meat products due to potential warehouse temperature control failures. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The USDA has initiated a Class I recall for 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products manufactured by Kayem Foods. The recall, which impacts items distributed to retailers nationwide, was prompted by potential temperature control failures in a warehouse cooling system.

Why it matters

A Class I recall indicates a serious health hazard where there is a reasonable probability that the use of these products will cause adverse health consequences. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and pantries for specific brands associated with this distribution event.

This Class I recall follows an internal audit identifying potential storage temperature deviations across three establishment numbers. While 1,584,361 pounds are included in the action, no illnesses have been reported to date.

The players

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture is a federal agency that oversees food safety and enforces quality standards for meat and poultry products.

Kayem Foods

A food manufacturer based in Massachusetts that produces a variety of meat and poultry products.

The details

The recall involves products produced between March 31, 2026, and October 7, 2026, stored at facilities where a cooling system malfunction created an environment that may have allowed for bacterial growth. Affected items carry establishment numbers EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, or EST. M 9520. These numbers can typically be found within the USDA mark of inspection on product labels.

March 31, 2026: Production of affected items began.
October 7, 2026: Production of affected items concluded.
October 21, 2026: The USDA officially announced the nationwide recall.

Health Landscape

This action follows the standard USDA Class I recall protocol, which is mandated when there is a reasonable probability that consumption of affected goods will lead to serious adverse health consequences. It highlights the reliance on facility-level temperature monitoring to prevent the proliferation of foodborne pathogens.

Check your refrigerated and frozen meat products for brands such as Kayem, Al Fresco, McKenzie, Triple M, Deutschmacher, Jordan's, Essem, and Winnisimmet St. Butchery. If you find these products, do not consume them and contact your physician if you experience any symptoms of foodborne illness.

The takeaway

When a Class I recall is issued, it is vital to treat the notice with urgency even if no illnesses have been reported. Check your labels for the establishment numbers EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, or EST. M 9520 and discard or return any matching items to the place of purchase.