Nationwide Bacon Recall as FSIS Issues Warning

Miami Herald

13 hours ago

More than 360,000 pounds of turkey bacon products have been recalled over a possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Kraft Heinz Foods Company, based in South Carolina, issued its recall on July 2 for various products sent to retail locations nationwide. Some products were also shipped to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.
Newsweek contacted Kraft Heinz Food Company for comment by email outside regular working hours.
FSIS has issued a Class I risk classification for the recall, the most serious category. The classification means a "health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death."
Listeria infection, or listeriosis, may lead to a range of symptoms in infected individuals. For those experiencing less severe infections, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often last between one and three days, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Severe infections are particularly dangerous for newborns, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems.
The recall affects about 367,812 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon products produced between April 24 and June 11.
The affected products include these:
Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original in 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages with use-by dates ranging from July 18 to August 2, 2025; the UPC 071871548601; and the lot code RS40.Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original in 36-ounce packages containing three 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages with use-by dates ranging from July 23 to September 4, 2025; the UPC code 071871548748; and lot codes RS19, RS40 and RS42.Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original in 48-ounce packages containing four 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages with use-by dates ranging from July 18 to September 4, 2025; the UPC code 071871548793; and lot codes RS19, RS40 and RS42.
The issue was discovered after the company's laboratory testing indicated possible contamination with the bacteria.
As of July 2, there were no confirmed reports of adverse reactions connected to the consumption of the affected products.
Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis-a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person, so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised, must eat contaminated food. The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance."
Mary O'Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures. Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home, are a place where listeria can keep growing."
She added: "Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it's often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention."
The FDA said on its website: "Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn baby, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are all considered to be high-risk groups that are susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis."
The recall is listed as active, according to FSIS. The agency advises people in higher risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food to seek medical care.
Consumers who may have purchased the affected products are urged to throw them away or return them to their place of purchase.
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