If you’re a fan of turkey bacon, particularly Oscar Mayer’s, you might want to check your fridge or freezer right now. On July 2, 2025, Kraft Heinz Foods Company announced a massive recall of approximately 367,812 pounds of Oscar Mayer fully cooked turkey bacon due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious health issues. This news, shared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), has raised concerns among consumers nationwide, as the affected products were distributed across the United States, with some even exported to places like the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, why it’s happening, and what you should do if you have these products at home.
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Why Was the Recall Issued?
The recall was triggered after Kraft Heinz’s laboratory testing revealed that some of their turkey bacon products could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria is no small matter—it can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that’s particularly dangerous for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms can range from fever, muscle aches, and headaches to more severe issues like stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, often following diarrhea or other digestive problems. For pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to devastating outcomes like miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature delivery.
Thankfully, as of July 3, 2025, no confirmed illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported in connection with this recall. However, the potential risk prompted Kraft Heinz to act swiftly, working with public health authorities to remove the affected products from circulation. The company emphasized that consumer safety is their top priority, stating, “At Kraft Heinz, nothing matters more to us than the safety of our products and the well-being of the families who trust them.”
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall covers three specific Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original products, all fully cooked and vacuum-packed, produced between April 24 and June 11, 2025. These products bear the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the label and were shipped to retail stores nationwide, including major chains like H-E-B. Here’s a breakdown of the recalled items:
- 12-ounce packages: These are single vacuum-packed packages of “Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original” with the UPC code 071871548601 printed under the barcode. They have use-by dates ranging from July 18, 2025, to August 2, 2025, and the lot code RS40.
- 36-ounce packages: These contain three 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of “Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original” with the UPC code 071871548748 printed under the barcode. They have use-by dates from July 23, 2025, to September 4, 2025, and lot codes RS19, RS40, or RS42.
- 48-ounce packages: These contain four 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of “Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original” with the UPC code 071871548793 printed under the barcode. They also have use-by dates from July 18, 2025, to September 4, 2025, and lot codes RS19, RS40, or RS42.
If you have any of these products in your fridge or freezer, do not consume them. The FSIS advises either throwing them away or returning them to the place of purchase for a refund.
What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Bacon?
If you’ve got Oscar Mayer turkey bacon at home, grab the package and check the UPC code, use-by date, and lot code. If it matches any of the details above, don’t eat it. Listeria is a tough bacteria that can survive in cold environments like your fridge or freezer, so even if the bacon looks or smells fine, it’s not worth the risk. You can either toss it in the trash or take it back to the store where you bought it for a refund.
To stay on the safe side, clean and sanitize any areas where the bacon was stored, like fridge shelves or freezer drawers. Use hot water with a mild dishwashing detergent, rinse, and then disinfect with a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to ensure no bacteria lingers.
If you’re worried you might have consumed the recalled bacon and are experiencing symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or nausea, contact a healthcare provider right away. While no illnesses have been reported so far, it’s better to be cautious, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
Why Is Listeria Such a Big Deal?
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is rare but can be severe. For most healthy adults, symptoms might be mild and resolve within a few days. However, for vulnerable groups—like those over 65, immunocompromised individuals, or pregnant women—the consequences can be life-threatening. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to complications like miscarriages or infections in newborns. The bacteria’s ability to survive in cold temperatures and on hard surfaces makes it particularly tricky, which is why proper handling and disposal of recalled products are critical.
Kraft Heinz’s Response and Consumer Support
Kraft Heinz is taking this recall seriously, collaborating with retailers and distributors to pull the affected products from shelves. They’ve also set up a consumer hotline (1-800-280-7185) and an email (consumerrelations@kraftheinz.com) for anyone with questions about the recall. The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure the products are no longer available to consumers and will post a retail distribution list on their website when available.
A Note on Previous Recalls
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Oscar Mayer turkey bacon has faced a recall. In 2015, Kraft Heinz recalled over 2 million pounds of the same product due to spoilage concerns and reports of consumer illnesses, though that recall was unrelated to listeria. The recurrence of issues with this product might make some consumers wary, but Kraft Heinz’s proactive approach in both cases shows their commitment to addressing potential risks.
Final Thoughts
The Oscar Mayer turkey bacon recall is a reminder to stay vigilant about food safety, especially with products that can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes. If you have the affected products, act quickly to dispose of them or return them for a refund. Keep an eye on your health, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Kraft Heinz or a healthcare provider if you have concerns. Food recalls can be inconvenient, but they’re a crucial part of keeping consumers safe. Stay informed, check your fridge, and let’s hope your next breakfast is listeria-free!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if my Oscar Mayer turkey bacon is part of the recall?
Check the UPC code, use-by date, and lot code on the package. The recalled products are 12-ounce (UPC 071871548601, use-by July 18–August 2, 2025, lot code RS40), 36-ounce (UPC 071871548748, use-by July 23–September 4, 2025, lot codes RS19, RS40, RS42), and 48-ounce (UPC 071871548793, use-by July 18–September 4, 2025, lot codes RS19, RS40, RS42) packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original.
2. What should I do if I’ve eaten the recalled bacon?
If you’ve consumed the recalled bacon and feel fine, there’s no need to panic, as no illnesses have been reported. However, if you experience symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or nausea, contact a healthcare provider, especially if you’re pregnant, over 65, or immunocompromised.
3. Can I still eat the bacon if it looks and smells okay?
No, you should not eat it. Listeria can be present even if the bacon appears fine. Throw it away or return it to the store for a refund to avoid any risk.
4. Where were the recalled products sold?
The recalled turkey bacon was shipped to retail stores across the United States, including chains like H-E-B, and some were exported to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. Check the FSIS website for a retail distribution list when it’s available.
5. How can I contact Kraft Heinz about the recall?
You can reach Kraft Heinz through their consumer hotline at 1-800-280-7185 or via email at consumerrelations@kraftheinz.com for any questions about the recall.