Bacon sold in US urgently recalled over ‘health consequences or death’

An urgent recall of bacon sold in 550 US stores has been announced.

Close to five-and-a-half tonnes of smoked bacon produced by Maple Leaf Foods has been recalled by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) over fears that it was not expected properly.

The FSIS said some 12,000lb of the food product that was imported from Canada, had not received the mandatory ‘import reinspection’.

In its notice issued on July 24, the FSIS said the bacon affected has use by dates in early September. FSIS’ statement said: “The product subject to recall bears Canadian establishment number ‘EST. 1’printed on the side of the package, and health certificate ‘2026-S732971612’ on the 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.

An urgent notice has been released about the affected bacon products (Getty Stock Image)

“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 affected products include: Royale Natural Applewood Smoked All Natural Uncured Bacon and Top Valu Uncured Hardwood Smoked Bacon. The products were distributed to retailers through grocery outlets in the three affected U.S. states. Consumers who bought the products that are now being recalled are advised not to eat it and instead throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

The recall was not triggered by contamination or reports of illness.

Customers have been urged to return or dispose of the affected bacon (Getty Stock Image)

Anyone seeking more information about the recall or general food safety advice can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline on 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or submit an enquiry by email to [email protected].

Food recalls can be issued for a variety of reasons, from undeclared allergens to concerns over possible contamination. Last year, US shoppers were warned to check their freezers after frozen shrimp products were recalled over fears they may have been exposed to Caesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope that can increase the risk of cancer after prolonged exposure. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the affected shrimp may have been prepared, packed or stored under conditions where they could have become contaminated.

However, the agency stressed that no shrimp which had tested positive for Cs-137 had entered the US food supply. The recall affected a number of frozen shrimp products distributed across several states, with consumers urged not to eat the seafood and instead return it to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it safely.