Nearly 368,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon are being recalled due to potential listeria contamination, which can lead to food poisoning. This announcement came from federal health officials on Wednesday.
So far, no illnesses have been reported, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The recall involves turkey bacon produced by Kraft Heinz Food Company in Newberry, South Carolina, between April 24 and June 11. The issue was detected through internal lab testing that raised concerns about listeria.
The affected products were distributed to stores across the United States, as well as to locations in the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. The recalled items include:
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12-ounce packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original (UPC: 071871548601) with use-by dates from July 18 to August 2 and lot code RS40.
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36-ounce packages that include three 12-ounce packages (UPC: 071871548748) with use-by dates from July 23 to September 4 and lot codes RS19, RS40, and RS42.
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48-ounce packages containing four 12-ounce packages (UPC: 071871548793) with use-by dates from July 18 to September 4 and lot codes RS19, RS40, and RS42.
Consumers are advised not to eat these products if they are found in their homes. Instead, they should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase.
Listeria can lead to serious health complications, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and confusion. According to the CDC, listeria infections affect around 1,600 people each year, resulting in approximately 260 deaths.
In response to several outbreaks linked to listeria, federal officials announced plans in December to improve safety protocols for food handling. Concerns had been raised following incidents involving other food products that led to hospitalizations and fatalities.
It is essential for consumers to stay vigilant about food safety and to heed recall notices promptly.
