Kayem Foods recalls 1.58 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat

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The gist

Kayem Foods recalled about 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry over possible temperature abuse.
The products reached stores nationwide and Hong Kong, so shoppers should check fridges.

Background

Kayem Foods Inc. is a family-owned craft meat business based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, that sells meat and poultry under multiple brands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the federal agency that announced the recall, said the products may have experienced temperature abuse during storage. The issue surfaced after a retail customer complained on Oct. 1, 2026, that a product was warm upon delivery.

How it unfolded

  1. Mar 31, 2026 to Oct 7, 2026The recalled Kayem products were produced during this window.
  2. Oct 1, 2026A retail customer complained that a product was warm upon delivery, prompting the recall investigation.
  3. Oct 17, 2026FSIS announced the recall of approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible temperature abuse during storage.
  4. Oct 20, 2026Florida outlets reported the recall, noting no illnesses had been reported.
  5. Oct 22, 2026TODAY reported the recall hit Walmart, Stop & Shop and other stores.

Who’s saying what

Official
FSIS said the products may have experienced temperature abuse during storage and that no illnesses related to the recall have been reported.
Company
Kayem Foods President and CEO Matt Monkiewicz said the company is undertaking the recall out of an abundance of caution, takes full responsibility and has corrected the issue.

Still unverified

No illnesses related to the recall have been reported, but inspectors were concerned consumers may still have the products at home.

Sources

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