Kayem Foods Inc. has recalled approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products over concerns that they may have been stored at unsuitable temperatures. The affected products were distributed to retail and foodservice locations across the United States and in Hong Kong.
The recall was announced on 17 October 2026 by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). According to the agency, the products were manufactured between approximately 31 March and 7 October 2026. Although no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with their consumption, consumers have been advised not to eat the affected products.
Customer Complaint Leads to Investigation Into Storage Conditions
The recall followed a complaint received by Kayem Foods Inc., a meat processing establishment based in Chelsea, Massachusetts. On 1 October 2026, a retail customer reported that products had arrived at temperatures that were warmer than expected.
According to the FSIS, the company subsequently investigated the complaint and discovered that various ready-to-eat meat and poultry products had been kept in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature deviations.
The findings prompted the recall of approximately 1,584,361 pounds of products, covering items manufactured over a period extending from late March to early October.
The recall concerns ready-to-eat products sold in various package weights. The FSIS has published documentation identifying the affected products, including their labels and Universal Product Code (UPC) numbers, to help consumers determine whether their purchases are included.
The affected items were distributed from the company’s Chelsea facility to retail and foodservice establishments throughout the United States, as well as Hong Kong.
Products covered by the recall carry one of three establishment numbers within the USDA inspection mark: “EST. M/P 7839”, “EST. P 20935A” or “EST. M 9520”.
These identifying details appear in the official recall documentation and can be checked against packaging by consumers who have purchased products distributed by the establishment.
Food Safety Authorities Advise Consumers To Check Refrigerators
Despite the scale of the recall, the FSIS reported that there had been no confirmed cases of illness associated with eating the affected meat and poultry products when the recall was announced.
The agency nevertheless expressed concern that some of the recalled products could still be stored in consumers’ refrigerators.
According to the official recall notice, anyone who has purchased the affected products should avoid consuming them. The recommended action is to dispose of the items or return them to the place where they were purchased.
Consumers concerned about possible illness following consumption of these products are advised to contact a healthcare professional.
The FSIS also conducts recall effectiveness checks to establish whether companies have informed their customers and taken appropriate steps to ensure recalled products are no longer available to consumers.
Retail distribution lists will be published on the agency’s website when available, alongside information about the recall.
Consumers seeking clarification can contact Kayem Foods Customer Service on 800-426-6100, Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 4pm Eastern Daylight Time, or email [email protected].
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is also available on 888-674-6854 for food safety enquiries. Reports concerning meat, poultry or egg products can be submitted through the agency’s online consumer complaint system, which operates 24 hours a day.
