On July 2, 2025, Kraft Heinz Foods Company initiated a Class I recall, the most serious level, for about 367,812 pounds of fully cooked Oscar Mayer Original Turkey Bacon. The recall followed USDA‑FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) testing that detected Listeria monocytogenes in samples from their Newberry, South Carolina plant. No illnesses have been reported so far.
The recalled turkey bacon was produced between April 24 and June 11, 2025, in packages weighing 12 oz, 36 oz, and 48 oz, each bearing specific UPCs, lot codes, and “use-by” dates from July 18 to September 4, 2025.
Scope of Distribution
This wasn’t a small, regional issue. The products were shipped to retailers across the United States, and even exported to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. Retail outlets like H‑E‑B in Texas were among the numerous affected stores.
Understanding Listeria & Why It Matters
Listeria monocytogenes can trigger listeriosis, a severe infection that is especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised people . Symptoms range from fever and muscle aches to headache, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, especially if the infection spreads to the nervous system.
Annually, the CDC reports approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis in the U.S., with around 260 deaths. Because turkey bacon is fully cooked and ready-to-eat, no further cooking is typically applied before consumption, leaving no barrier against any Listeria present.
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
Check Your Refrigerator
- Look for Oscar Mayer Original Turkey Bacon in the specified package sizes and UPCs:
- 12 oz – UPC 071871548601, lot RS40 (use-by: July 18–Aug 2)
- 36 oz – UPC 071871548748, lots RS19, RS40, RS42 (use-by: July 23–Sept 4)
- 48 oz – UPC 071871548793, lots RS19, RS40, RS42 (use-by: July 18–Sept 4)
- 12 oz – UPC 071871548601, lot RS40 (use-by: July 18–Aug 2)
Discard or Return Immediately
- Don’t consume the product. Throw it away or take it back to the store for a full refund
Monitor for Symptoms
- If you consumed the product and develop symptoms like fever, muscle aches, confusion, stiff neck, or gastrointestinal distress, contact a healthcare provider, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
Ask Questions if Needed
- For further details, call Kraft Heinz consumer relations at 1‑800‑280‑7185 or email [email protected]. FSIS and local health departments can also provide guidance.
Corporate Response & Recall Execution
Kraft Heinz voluntarily issued the recall after FSIS lab results suggested possible Listeria contamination. The recall affects vacuum-packed, fully cooked turkey bacon from one processing plant. Kraft Heinz affirmed that consumer safety is their top priority, and they’ve coordinated with retailers and regulators to pull suspect items from shelves as swiftly as possible.
This action follows enhanced scrutiny of Listeria hazards after earlier outbreaks, including a 2024 incident tied to Boar’s Head deli meats that caused ten deaths and multiple illnesses. It underscores persistent challenges in controlling Listeria within meat processing environments.
Final Note: Vigilance Saves Lives
While no illnesses have been reported, this recall highlights the invisible danger of Listeria and the importance of timely action. As a ready-to-eat product, turkey bacon doesn’t undergo further cooking, making recalls like this particularly urgent for consumer safety.
What You Should Do:
- Check, identify, and remove the specific Oscar Mayer turkey bacon from your home.
- Avoid eating it, and return or discard as instructed.
- Stay alert for symptoms, especially if you’re at higher risk.
Ultimately, this recall illustrates a crucial lesson: even familiar processed foods can carry hidden hazards and staying informed is the best way to stay safe.
