Kayem Foods Recalls Al Fresco Chicken Sausage Over Plastic Contamination

Kayem Foods Recall: Quick summary

• Recall issued on July 17, 2025 by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
• Kayem Foods Inc. is recalling over 24,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage
• Affected product: al fresco Chicken Sausage Sweet Apple with Vermont Made Syrup
• Contamination risk: White plastic pieces found in the product, three consumer complaints triggered the recall
• Sold nationwide, lot code 179, “USE/FRZ BY OCT 01 2025” printed on the back label
• Do not eat the product, return it or discard it.

Wanna know more about what happened? Keep reading below!

What Happened?

Kayem Foods Inc., a well-known name in the natural sausage category, has voluntarily recalled 24,173 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage. The recall follows three consumer reports of finding white plastic pieces in the product.

The affected item is part of the brand’s al fresco line:

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
al fresco	Chicken Sausage Sweet Apple with Vermont Made Syrup	11 oz	N/A	OCT 01 2025	Possible plastic pieces

• Lot Code: 179
• Establishment Number: P-7839 (inside USDA inspection mark)
• Packaging: Vacuum-packed (4 sausages per pack)
• Distributed: Nationwide retail locations

What Caused the Issue?

The recall stems from reports of white plastic fragments found in the chicken sausage. These pieces were not part of the recipe (obviously) and likely entered the batch during the manufacturing process, possibly from broken equipment or packaging materials.

Why Plastic Contamination Is a Big Deal

Though it may seem minor, foreign matter contamination like plastic can pose serious health risks:

• Choking hazard (especially for children, seniors, and people with swallowing issues)
• Damage to teeth or gums
• Gastrointestinal injury (from swallowing sharp fragments)
• Possible infection or internal damage if the plastic is sharp or jagged

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Children
• Elderly adults
• People with dental problems
• Those with gastrointestinal sensitivities
• Anyone who may not recognize or detect the foreign object while chewing

Symptoms to Watch Out For

If someone accidentally consumes contaminated sausage, they may experience:

• Sudden pain while chewing
• Bleeding gums or broken teeth
• Sore throat or a feeling that something is stuck
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in extreme cases)

If any symptoms arise, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

10 Common Questions You Might Have

1. Q: Is the plastic toxic?
   A: While the plastic itself may not be chemically toxic, it’s physically dangerous if swallowed.
   
2. Q: What should I do if I already ate one?
   A: If you feel fine, you’re likely okay. But if you experience pain, contact your doctor.
   
3. Q: Can I return it without a receipt?
   A: Most retailers will honor food recalls, just bring the product or packaging.
   
4. Q: Where do I find the lot code and use-by date?
   A: On the back label of the vacuum-packed package.
   
5. Q: Is the rest of the al fresco line safe?
   A: Only the product with lot code 179 and use-by date OCT 01 2025 is affected.
   
6. Q: How did the plastic get in there?
   A: It likely came from damaged machinery or packaging during processing.
   
7. Q: Has anyone been hurt?
   A: No confirmed injuries have been reported as of July 17, 2025.
   
8. Q: How do I contact the company?
   A: Call 617-889-1600 x247 or email [email protected]
   
9. Q: Should I report my experience?
   A: Yes! You can file a report with the FSIS complaint system.
   
10. Q: What if I’m a retailer?
    A: Remove affected products immediately and notify your customers.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Look for the Lot Code: “179” + Use/Frz by “OCT 01 2025”
• Check the Label: Back of the vacuum-packed product
• Don’t Take a Bite: Throw it away or return it
• Contact Kayem Foods:
  • Consumer Service: 617-889-1600 x247
  • Email: [email protected]

Behind the Brand

Kayem Foods Inc., founded over a century ago, is known for its commitment to quality and natural ingredients. But even trusted brands can face manufacturing slip-ups. This marks another instance of foreign material recalls this season.

Related recalls you may have missed:

• On July 14, 2025, Danone U.S. recalled a wide range of YoCrunch yogurt products after reports of plastic fragments were found in the dome toppers.
• On July 1, 2025, the USDA’s FSIS issued a public health alert for Riverbend Ranch Beef Jerky Sticks due to the presence of transparent plastic fragments, which consumers discovered and reported.
• On May 6, 2025, GBC Food Services, LLC, based in Farmers Branch, Texas, issued a recall on two of its ready-to-eat snack cups due to the presence of plastic foreign material. 
• On April 25, 2025, Wells Enterprises recalled over 16,000 gallons of frozen goodness after discovering plastic pieces might have made their way into the mix.
• On April 3, 2025, Valley Fine Foods Co., Inc. issued a voluntary Class II recall on April 3, 2025, for its Chile Verde Egg Bites due to possible foreign material contamination. 
• E.A. Sween recalls Deli Express BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches over potential plastic contamination

“Food safety is about more than compliance. It’s about protecting consumers and brand integrity. Even ready-to-eat staples like chicken sausage require rigorous checks to prevent issues like plastic contamination,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This incident reinforces the critical need for strict equipment checks, real-time monitoring, and robust recall systems in manufacturing. Even a fragment of plastic can trigger a full-scale USDA food recall, impacting trust, revenue, and public safety.

If you’re a bulk buyer, private label, or co-manufacturer, staying ahead of food safety issues is essential.

Need clean-label, safe ingredients for your next formulation? Talk to our team, we’ve got your back (and your batch).