With a deep dedication to safeguarding community well-being, Kraft Heinz Foods Company, the maker of Oscar Mayer, has announced a nationwide recall of its Turkey Bacon products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that could affect vulnerable individuals. On July 2, 2025, the company acted with compassion and urgency, promptly initiating the recall after routine testing identified the pathogen in certain products. This swift response reflects a heartfelt commitment to protecting the health and trust of consumers across the nation, fostering a shared sense of care and safety.
This recall, encompassing hundreds of thousands of pounds of turkey bacon, reflects a deep dedication to protecting consumers across the United States and beyond, ensuring their safety and well-being with compassion and urgency.
Oscar Mayer Recalls Turkey Bacon Across U.S.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Affected | Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original |
| Manufacturer | Kraft Heinz Foods Company |
| Recall Date | July 2, 2025 |
| Production Dates | April 24 – June 11, 2025 |
| Distribution Area | Nationwide U.S., British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong |
| Health Risk | Listeriosis (serious infection) |
| Action Required | Discard or return affected products |
| FDA Recall Link | FDA Recall Notice |
The Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall underscores the shared responsibility to prioritize food safety, ensuring the health and well-being of communities everywhere. While no illnesses have been reported, this moment invites consumers to act with care by promptly checking their products and safely returning or discarding affected items. Foodborne illnesses can carry significant risks, making it essential for everyone to stay informed and embrace safety guidelines with compassion, fostering a collective commitment to protecting one another’s health and trust.
Manufacturers like Kraft Heinz must continue to improve their food safety protocols, while consumers must take responsibility for handling food safely. Through proactive measures, both parties can reduce the risk of contamination and protect public health.
What You Need to Know
Listeria contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. In this article, we’ll explore what Listeria is, the details of the recall, what steps consumers need to take, and what this recall means for food safety and the broader industry.
What Is Listeria and Why Should You Care?
What Exactly Is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium found in soil, water, and animal waste, poses a unique challenge to food safety, particularly in ready-to-eat and refrigerated foods, as it can thrive even in cold conditions. Unlike other foodborne pathogens, Listeria often leaves food looking and smelling unchanged, making it difficult to detect without careful attention. This underscores the importance of collective vigilance and care in protecting communities, ensuring everyone has access to safe, wholesome food and the knowledge to stay healthy.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The groups most at risk for Listeriosis (the illness caused by Listeria) include:
- Pregnant women – Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
- Newborns – Listeriosis can cause serious infections in infants.
- Older adults – The immune system weakens with age, making Listeria infection more dangerous.
- Immunocompromised individuals – Those with conditions like cancer, diabetes, or HIV are more vulnerable.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Listeriosis can cause symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance
In severe cases, it can lead to sepsis, meningitis, or even death if not treated promptly.
Details of the Recalled Products
Kraft Heinz Foods Company issued a recall for Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon produced between April 24 and June 11, 2025. These products were distributed nationwide in the U.S. and to international locations, including the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. The following products are affected by the recall:
- 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages
- UPC: 071871548601
- Use-by dates: July 18, 2025 – August 2, 2025
- Lot code: RS40
- 36-ounce packages (three 12-ounce packages)
- UPC: 071871548748
- Use-by dates: July 23, 2025 – September 4, 2025
- Lot codes: RS19, RS40, RS42
- 48-ounce packages (four 12-ounce packages)
- UPC: 071871548793
- Use-by dates: July 18, 2025 – September 4, 2025
- Lot codes: RS19, RS40, RS42
These products are marked with the USDA mark of inspection on the front label. If you have purchased any of these affected products, do not consume them, and either return or discard them immediately.
What Should Consumers Do?
- Check Your Freezer and Refrigerator: If you purchased Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon between April 24 and June 11, 2025, check the product’s UPC, lot code, and use-by date against the recalled product details provided above.
- Discard or Return the Product: Consumers should immediately discard the affected product or return it to the store for a full refund. Do not consume the product, as Listeria can cause severe health problems, especially for pregnant women, infants, and the elderly.
- Monitor Your Health: If you’ve consumed any affected products and develop symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or nausea, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Early treatment can help prevent severe complications.
- Stay Informed: For updates or further information, visit the FDA’s recall page at the following link: FDA Recall Notice.
How Did This Happen?
The contamination was discovered during routine testing by Kraft Heinz’s food safety team. While there have been no reported illnesses from the affected batches, the company took proactive measures and issued a recall to protect consumers. Kraft Heinz is working closely with the FDA and other regulatory authorities to resolve the issue and enhance food safety protocols to prevent future contamination.
The Importance of Food Safety Testing
How Are Listeria Contamination and Other Pathogens Detected?
Food manufacturers are required by law to test their products for harmful pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. This is typically done through microbiological testing, which involves taking samples of food and testing them in certified laboratories.
Third-party laboratories play an essential role in ensuring food safety by conducting independent tests. These tests help manufacturers and regulators identify potential contamination before food reaches consumers. This is an essential step in preventing widespread outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
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Tips for Consumers to Ensure Safe Food Handling
While the recall addresses a specific issue, food safety is always a top concern. Here are some general tips for handling food safely to avoid contamination:
- Store Food at the Right Temperature: Always store perishable items like meat, poultry, and deli products in the refrigerator or freezer at the proper temperatures. Check that your fridge is at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Clean Your Hands and Kitchen Surfaces: Wash your hands before and after handling food. Clean surfaces with hot, soapy water to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook to the Right Temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure meat products are cooked to the proper internal temperature. For turkey bacon, the safe cooking temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Stay Updated on Food Recalls: Check the FDA recall website regularly to stay informed about food safety issues and potential recalls.
Impact of Food Recalls on Retailers and the Industry
Recalls like the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon recall not only affect manufacturers but also retailers, distributors, and the broader food supply chain. When a product is recalled, it leads to:
- Retailer Actions: Stores must remove recalled products from shelves, which can lead to inventory loss and stock shortages.
- Consumer Trust: Recalls can undermine consumer trust in a brand, leading to a decline in sales.
- Financial Losses: Companies involved in major recalls may face significant financial losses, including the costs of removing products, reprocessing, and replacing stock.
FAQs
1. What is Listeria, and why is it so dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a severe illness. It can lead to symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and in some cases, miscarriage or meningitis, particularly in vulnerable groups.
2. How do I know if my turkey bacon is part of the recall?
Check the UPC code, use-by date, and lot code on your turkey bacon. If they match the affected product details above, your product is part of the recall.
3. What should I do if I have eaten the recalled turkey bacon?
If you experience symptoms of listeriosis, such as fever or muscle aches, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
4. How can I prevent foodborne illness in my kitchen?
Keep your kitchen clean, store food at proper temperatures, and always follow safe cooking practices to prevent contamination.
