Move Over Cyclospora Lettuce, USDA Recalls 12,000 Pounds of Bacon, ‘A Health Hazard Situation’

First, it was the lettuce causing stomach issues for people. Now, the United States has a massive meat recall on its hands.

Fresh off a lettuce outbreak of Cyclospora, Maple Leaf Foods Incorporated is issuing a recall on over 12,000 pounds of smoked bacon, informing the public of a “Class I recall.” The USDA defines a Class I recall as “a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”

In their findings, they specifically identify Maple Leaf Foods items like Royale and Top Valu bacon sold in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. These are “not ready-to-eat” and need to be cooked for consumption.

“Serious, adverse health consequences or death”

The USDA has also included a guide for what products are subject to the recall.

• 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
• 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

In addition, the recalled product has a Canadian establishment number “EST.1” on the side of the packaging. Another good indicator that you’re dealing in tainted meat comes from the health certificate number on the master case box, with the USDA warning about “2026-S732971612.”

What Can Consumers Do?

The USDA also wants to make sure that people aren’t panicking and offers some quick tips for consumers looking for answers under short notice.

“FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers,” they explain. “When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.”

Their statement continues, “Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to [email protected]. For consumers who need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.” 

(Photo Credit: Kim Ahlström from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons. shawnzam, CC BY 2.0. )

Have a tip we should know? [email protected]