Massive Recall of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Due to Listeria Contamination Risk

Kraft Heinz Food Company has announced a significant recall of fully cooked turkey bacon products amid concerns of potential listeria contamination. The company, based in Newberry, South Carolina, discovered the issue through its laboratory testing, prompting the recall of about 368,000 pounds of turkey bacon made between April 24 and June 11.

The recall affects various package sizes of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original, which were distributed across the U.S., the British Virgin Islands, and Hong Kong. Specific products included are the 12-ounce packages with a use-by date range from July 18 to August 2 and the lot code RS40. Also included are 36-ounce packages, which consist of three 12-ounce packages, and 48-ounce packages containing four 12-ounce packages, each bearing different use-by dates and lot codes.

Customers are urged not to consume these products if they are found in their refrigerators or freezers and should instead dispose of them or return them to where they were purchased. Listeria can cause severe illness, especially among older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, presenting symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Annually, listeria infections affect about 1,600 individuals and result in roughly 260 fatalities, according to the CDC. In response to previous outbreaks, federal officials have been reviewing protocols to enhance listeria prevention measures.