Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall: USDA Issues Nationwide Warning Over Listeria Contamination Risk

Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall: Listeria Contamination Prompts Nationwide Alert

Kraft Heinz Foods Company has issued a nationwide recall of select Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This major development in the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall has caught the attention of health authorities and consumers alike.

Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed the recall on July 2, 2025. According to the agency, over 367,812 pounds of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon may be contaminated. These ready-to-eat products were distributed across the United States and exported to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.

FSIS explained that the issue was discovered through routine lab testing at the Kraft Heinz production facility. Although no confirmed illnesses have been reported, the agency classifies this Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall as a Class I risk—indicating a high probability of severe health consequences or death if consumed.

Products Affected in the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall

Consumers should immediately check for the following recalled items:

• 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of “Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original” with UPC 071871548601, use-by dates from July 18 to August 2, 2025, and lot code RS40.
• 36-ounce packages (containing three 12-ounce packs) with UPC 071871548748, use-by dates from July 23 to September 4, 2025, and lot codes RS19, RS40, RS42.
• 48-ounce packages (containing four 12-ounce packs) with UPC 071871548793, use-by dates from July 18 to September 4, 2025, and lot codes RS19, RS40, RS42.

These items all carry the USDA mark of inspection and were produced between April 24 and June 11, 2025.

How Kraft Heinz Is Responding to the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall

Kraft Heinz emphasized that no consumer complaints or illnesses have been reported as of July 3. In a statement, the company said, “Nothing matters more to us than the safety of our products and the well-being of the families who trust them.”

The food giant is collaborating closely with public health agencies to manage the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall efficiently. The company has reached out to retail partners to ensure swift removal of the affected products from circulation.

Why the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall Is Critical

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection. The infection primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Common Symptoms:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Headache, confusion, or loss of balance in severe cases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1,600 people are diagnosed with listeriosis annually in the U.S., and approximately 260 of them die. This makes the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall a matter of significant public health concern.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have purchased any of the recalled Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon products:

• Do not consume the items—even if you’ve followed proper heating instructions.
• Dispose of them safely or return them to the place of purchase.
• Contact Kraft Heinz at 1-800-280-7185 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST) or email consumerrelations@kraftheinz.com to verify if your product is affected.

The FSIS urges anyone in high-risk groups who experiences flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming turkey bacon to seek medical attention promptly.

Expert Opinions on the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall

Experts have emphasized the unique risks posed by Listeria monocytogenes. Dr. Mary O’Riordan from the University of Michigan noted that the bacteria can survive at refrigeration temperatures, making long-stored deli meats especially vulnerable.

Dr. Haley F. Oliver from Purdue University added, “Most healthy adults might experience only mild symptoms, but for the immunocompromised, the risks are much higher, including meningitis and even death.”

Comparison to Previous Recalls

This Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall follows similar incidents, such as Fresh & Ready Foods’ listeria-related recall in May 2025, which led to at least 10 hospitalizations. Such recurring outbreaks highlight the ongoing challenges in food safety, especially for ready-to-eat meat products.

Final Thoughts on the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall

The Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall underscores the critical importance of food safety measures and immediate consumer action. While no illnesses have been confirmed yet, the scale and severity of this recall demand attention and responsible response.

Consumers are encouraged to stay updated via FSIS and Kraft Heinz announcements and to act cautiously with any turkey bacon products purchased within the affected date range.

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