Major food brand issues urgent recall that could affect your breakfast

Starting in early July 2025, Kraft Heinz issued an urgent Class I recall—the most serious category—for Oscar Mayer Original Turkey Bacon. Nearly 368,000 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon packed between April 24 and June 11 are being pulled from shelves due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

This recall covers:

• 12‑ounce packages (UPC 071871548601; use‑by July 18–Aug 2)
  
• 36‑ and 48‑ounce multi‑packs with UPCs 071871548748 and 071871548793, use‑by dates July 18–Sept 4, lot codes RS19, RS40, RS42 

These products were shipped across the U.S. and also sold in the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.

Who is at highest risk from listeria in turkey bacon?

Listeria can cause a serious illness called listeriosis. Symptoms may take up to two weeks to appear and can include:

• Fever
  
• Muscle aches
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance
  

This infection is especially dangerous for:

• People age 65 and older
  
• Pregnant individuals
  
• Newborns
  
• Anyone with a weakened immune system 

What should you do if you have it?

If you bought Oscar Mayer turkey bacon and it matches the UPCs, lot codes, or use‑by dates listed above, do not eat it. You have two options:

• Throw it away safely, or
  
• Return it to the store for a full refund
  

Kraft Heinz says it is working with retailers and public health officials to remove the product and ensure safety.

Have any illnesses been reported?

So far, Kraft Heinz and the USDA report no confirmed illnesses or deaths, but they are not taking any chances . Since listeria symptoms can take up to two weeks to show, watch for signs like fever, vomiting, and stiff neck. If any appear, call your healthcare provider right away.

How common are listeria recalls?

Unfortunately, these kinds of recalls are not rare. Just in the last few months:

• In May 2025, Fresh & Ready Foods recalled ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks after a listeria outbreak hospitalized 10 people in California and Nevada
  
• In June, Bornstein Seafoods pulled over 44,000 pounds of shrimp for the same reason.

These ongoing issues highlight how vigilant you need to be with ready-to-eat foods.

How can you avoid listeria in your food?

Here are some easy tips to keep you and your family safe:

• Always check UPC codes and use‑by dates before eating any recalled products
  
• Keep ready‑to‑eat foods properly refrigerated and follow good hygiene
  
• Discard or return anything that might be contaminated—do not eat it under “just to be safe” assumptions
  
• If you are in a high‑risk group, take extra care with ready‑to‑eat meats, deli slices, soft cheeses, and smoked seafood

Why is this happening now?

Testing at Kraft Heinz’s Newberry, South Carolina plant revealed traces of listeria in turkey bacon manufactured between late April and early June. In response, the USDA classified it as a Class I recall, indicating a high risk to consumer health.

Stay alert, check your fridge, and remember: when it comes to food safety, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

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