By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-28 14:57:54 | Updated at 2026-08-11 17:34:02
2 weeks ago
Americans are being urged to check their refrigerators and freezers after more than 12,000 pounds of bacon sold in three states was recalled over fears it bypassed a key federal food safety inspection.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is recalling approximately 12,036 pounds of refrigerated smoked bacon that was imported from Canada without undergoing the required U.S. import reinspection.
Although no illnesses or injuries have been reported, officials warn consumers not to eat the affected products because meat imported without the mandatory inspection process may pose a potential health risk.
The recalled bacon was produced in June 2026 and distributed to Grocery Outlet stores and retailers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Two products are affected by the recall.
The first is a 12-ounce vacuum package of Royale Natural Applewood Smoked All Natural Uncured Bacon, Product of Canada, with sell-by dates of September 1, 2026 and September 7, 2026.
The second is a 12-ounce vacuum package of Top Valu Uncured Hardwood Smoked Bacon, Product of Canada, with sell-by dates of September 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, 2026.
The recalled products bear the Canadian establishment number 'EST. 1' printed on the side of the package, while master case boxes carry the health certificate 2026-S732971612.
Two products are affected by the recall. The first is a 12-ounce vacuum package of Royale Natural Applewood Smoked All Natural Uncured Bacon, Product of Canada, with sell-by dates of September 1, 2026 and September 7, 2026
According to the FSIS, the problem was uncovered during routine inspection activities.
Imported meat products must undergo a mandatory reinspection by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service after clearing customs.
The process verifies documentation, labeling, packaging and the condition of the products, and may also include sampling for contaminants before products can legally be sold in the United States.
Officials said the bacon entered the country without receiving that required inspection.
While there have been no confirmed reports of anyone becoming sick after eating the bacon, the agency said anyone concerned about illness or injury should contact a healthcare provider.
The FSIS is concerned that some of the recalled bacon may still be stored in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.
Customers who purchased the products are being urged not to consume them.
Instead, they should either throw the bacon away or return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund.
The second recalled product is a 12-ounce vacuum package of Top Valu Uncured Hardwood Smoked Bacon, Product of Canada, with sell-by dates of September 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, 2026
The bacon recall is the latest in a growing series of meat and poultry alerts issued across America this year
The agency said it will continue carrying out recall effectiveness checks to ensure the products are removed from store shelves and distributors have been properly notified.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Maple Leaf Foods vice president of communications Adam Emery on 416-518-5131 or by email at [email protected].
Anyone with food safety questions can also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline on 888-674-6854.
The bacon recall is the latest in a growing series of meat and poultry alerts issued across America this year.
Federal food safety officials have repeatedly warned consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers after products ranging from ready-to-eat meats to sausages and beef were recalled over contamination fears, undeclared allergens and the potential presence of foreign objects.
