Urgent recall for bacon sold at 550 shops with ‘serious health consequences’

Bacon sold in 550 stores has been urgently recalled by US regulators after it was not inspected properly.

Nearly five-and-a-half tonnes of smoked bacon produced by Maple Leaf Foods has been recalled by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). It said some 12,000lb of the product was imported from Canada and was not given the mandatory ‘import reinspection’.

The recall was issued last Wednesday (July 24) and the bacon in question has use by dates in early September, FSIS said in its recall notice.

Specifically, the Maple Leaf Foods packages subject to a recall are the ‘12-oz vacuum package of “Royale Natural Applewood Smoked ALL NATURAL Uncured Bacon Product of Canada” with sell by dates of “SEP 01 2026” and “SEP 07 2026” printed on the side of the package’ and ‘12-oz vacuum package of “TOP VALU Uncured Hardwood Smoked Bacon PRODUCT OF CANADA” with various sell by dates of “SEP 01 2026”, “SEP 02 2026”, “SEP 04 2026”, “SEP 05 2026”, and “SEP 07 2026” printed on the side of the package’.

FSIS’ statement continued: “The product subject to recall bears Canadian establishment number “EST. 1” printed on the side the package, and health certificate “2026-S732971612” on master case boxes. This item was further distributed to Grocery Outlet distributors and retailers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

“The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection activities.

“There have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness or injury should contact a healthcare provider.

“FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

The recall has been given the designation of ‘high — class I’ by the US Department of Agriculture, its most serious category.

Customers with questions about the recall and USDA food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov.