- Date Issued: July 2, 2025
- Announced By: USDA FSIS on July 2, 2025
- Company: Kraft Heinz Foods Company (Newberry, SC)
- Product: Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon ORIGINAL (various sizes)
- Issue: Possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination
- Details: Affects over 367,812 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon
- Next Steps: Do not eat, toss, or return it, and check your fridge and freezer ASAP
Stick around to learn more about this recall!
What Happened?
If you’re one of the many who reached for turkey bacon this week, you might want to hit pause on breakfast. Kraft Heinz Foods Company is recalling a staggering 367,812 pounds of its Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon after internal testing flagged the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The company issued this food safety alert on July 2, 2025, after the company’s lab detected potential contamination in fully cooked, vacuum-packed turkey bacon products manufactured between April 24 and June 11, 2025.
The potentially tainted products were distributed nationwide, with additional shipments reaching the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Oscar Mayer | Turkey Bacon ORIGINAL | 12 oz | 071871548601 | 18 JUL – 02 AUG 2025 | Listeria risk |
Oscar Mayer | Turkey Bacon ORIGINAL (3-pack) | 36 oz | 071871548748 | 23 JUL – 04 SEP 2025 | Listeria risk |
Oscar Mayer | Turkey Bacon ORIGINAL (4-pack) | 48 oz | 071871548793 | 18 JUL – 04 SEP 2025 | Listeria risk |
What Caused the Recall?
Kraft Heinz Foods Company conducted internal laboratory testing, which indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in fully cooked turkey bacon products. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, the risk of contamination prompted immediate action by the company and notification to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can survive and grow at refrigerator temperatures, making it particularly concerning in ready-to-eat or fully cooked products such as turkey bacon. Contamination may occur during post-cooking processes or through contact with contaminated surfaces or packaging equipment.
Health Risks and Who Is at Risk
Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria, is especially dangerous for certain groups of consumers:
- Pregnant individuals: Infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
- Older adults: Age-related immune decline makes them more susceptible to severe symptoms.
- People with weakened immune systems: Including those undergoing cancer treatment, with chronic illness, or on immunosuppressant therapy.
- Newborns and infants: May contract the infection during childbirth or through contaminated foods.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Infection may present itself with the following symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Headache and stiff neck
- Loss of balance or confusion
- Convulsions
- In pregnant individuals: flu-like symptoms followed by miscarriage or neonatal infection
In some cases, symptoms may take up to 70 days after exposure to develop, complicating timely diagnosis.
10 Common Questions You Might Have
1. What products are affected in this recall?
Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon ORIGINAL in 12 oz, 36 oz (3-pack), and 48 oz (4-pack) packages with specific lot codes and “Use By” dates between July 18 and September 4, 2025.
2. How do I check if I purchased a recalled product?
Look for the UPC codes and lot codes on the package, located under the barcode. Compare them with the information provided in the recall notice.
3. Is it safe to cook the turkey bacon thoroughly and eat it?
No. The risk of Listeria contamination remains. Do not consume the product under any circumstance.
4. I already ate the product—what should I do?
If you consumed the recalled turkey bacon and feel unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately and mention potential Listeria exposure.
5. Can Listeria be killed by freezing the product?
No. Listeria can survive freezing temperatures. Freezing does not eliminate the bacteria.
6. How did this contamination happen if the product is fully cooked?
Contamination can occur after cooking, during the packaging process or through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.
7. Are there any confirmed illnesses?
The company has not reported any illnesses as of now. The recall is a precautionary measure based on internal testing.
8. What should I do with the recalled product?
Dispose of it immediately or return it to the store for a refund.
9. Where was the affected turkey bacon distributed?
Nationwide across the United States, with some products shipped to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.
10. Who can I contact for more information?
Consumers may contact Kraft Heinz Consumer Hotline at 1-800-280-7185 or via email at [email protected].
This proactive recall highlights the importance of continuous safety checks and immediate action in protecting public health.
Here’s What You Should Do
- Check your label: Look for the “Use By” dates between July 18 and September 4, 2025, and lot codes RS19, RS40, or RS42
- Find the UPC under the barcode to match the affected SKUs
- Do NOT eat it: Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase
- Contact Kraft Heinz: 1-800-280-7185 or email [email protected]
Behind the Brand
Kraft Heinz is no small fry. As one of the largest food manufacturers in the U.S., its portfolio includes beloved brands like Heinz, Velveeta, and Oscar Mayer. Unfortunately, this isn’t Kraft Heinz’s first dance with Listeria.
Recent Listeria recalls include:
- On June 20, 2025, Oregon-based Face Rock Creamery voluntarily recalled its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds after internal routine testing flagged the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
- On June 17, 2025, FreshRealm recalled its Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo products after FSIS linked them to a multi-state Listeria monocytogenes outbreak.
- On June 11, 2025, Hofood99 Inc. recalled its 200g Enoki Mushrooms after discovering Listeria monocytogenes in a sample collected in Michigan.
- On June 10, 2025, Bornstein Seafoods Inc. voluntarily recalled 44,550 pounds of its Ready-to-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat after a routine in-process test detected Listeria monocytogenes in the production environment.
- On May 17, 2025, Bourgeois Smokehouse voluntarily recalled approximately 100 pounds of its ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage after routine FSIS testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
“All it takes is one compromised batch to trigger a nationwide recall. It’s a powerful reminder that strong traceability, rigorous safety protocols, and transparent supplier communication are not optional—they’re essential.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
FSIS continues to update retail distribution lists here, making it easier for consumers to check what’s in their fridge.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall is yet another reminder of the importance of stringent food safety protocols, especially for bulk and fully cooked products that are ready-to-eat. From co-mans to private label suppliers, supplier due diligence and food traceability systems are no longer optional—they’re industry must-haves.
If you’re in bulk sourcing, manufacturing, or private label production, this is your wake-up call to ensure your food recall checklist is airtight.
Want to talk about smarter sourcing? Contact our team for high-quality, trusted ingredients that won’t land you on the wrong side of a recall. Let’s chat!
