Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recalled Over Listeria Risk: What You Need to Know

Oscar Mayer, one of the most recognized brands in deli meats, has just announced a recall that should catch consumers’ attention: its pre-cooked turkey bacon may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and reported by Consumer Reports, Kraft Heinz is voluntarily recalling roughly 20,000 packages of its ready-to-eat turkey bacon as a precaution.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can survive and grow at refrigerator temperatures. Eating contaminated food can cause listeriosis, an infection that’s usually mild for healthy adults but can be dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.

The recall involves 8-ounce packages of Oscar Mayer Precooked Turkey Bacon produced on August 27, 2024, with a “use by” date of September 21, 2024. Officials urge consumers to check their product labels and either dispose of or return any packages matching the affected lot.

So far, no illnesses have been reported, but the company issued the recall after a routine inspection flagged the potential contamination. The situation is a reminder that all ready-to-eat meat products — even precooked ones — should be handled safely: keep them cold, respect expiration dates, and maintain good kitchen hygiene to limit bacterial risks.

Listeria isn’t as common as salmonella or E. coli, but it can be more severe in vulnerable groups. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to bloodstream infections or meningitis.

For most healthy people, the risk of serious illness is low. But food safety experts emphasize that foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and precooked meats are among the most closely monitored for listeria because the bacteria can survive cold storage.

Keeping the cold chain intact, storing opened packages properly, and following expiration dates are simple steps that help protect you and your family. When in doubt, check the FDA’s website or contact Kraft Heinz directly to confirm if your product is affected.

Source: Consumer Reports / USDA / FDA.