A Massachusetts food company is pulling back a massive amount of ready-to-eat meat and poultry after discovering the products may not have been kept at safe temperatures during storage.

What’s Being Recalled

Kayem Foods Inc., based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, is recalling approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products distributed nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service classified the recall as Class I, its highest risk category, meaning there’s a reasonable probability the products could cause serious, adverse health consequences.

How the Problem Was Found

The issue came to light after a retail customer complained about warm product temperatures at the point of delivery on October 1. That single complaint triggered a broader review that led to the nationwide recall announcement on October 17.

Why Temperature Abuse Matters

Ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are designed to be safe without further cooking, which means proper refrigeration throughout storage and transport is what keeps harmful bacteria from growing. When products spend time outside their required temperature range, even if it looks and smells normal, the risk of foodborne illness can rise significantly.

What’s Covered by the Recall

The affected products were produced between approximately March 31 and October 7, 2026, and carry establishment numbers including EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, and a third related code printed on the packaging. Given the wide date range and nationwide distribution, anyone with Kayem products in their freezer or refrigerator should check their labels carefully rather than assume a specific purchase date puts them in the clear.

What to Do If You Have These Products

Do not eat the recalled products, even if they appear and smell fine. The FSIS recommends throwing them away or returning them to the place of purchase. Checking the specific establishment numbers and production dates against your packaging is the most reliable way to know if what’s in your kitchen is affected.

This Comes Amid a Busy Recall Season

This recall lands in the middle of what’s been an active stretch for food safety alerts, with separate recent recalls covering bread products, hummus and dips, and pressure cookers posing burn risks. It’s a reminder worth keeping in mind heading into the busier holiday cooking season, when more households than usual are stocking freezers and pantries.