Have hot dogs, chicken sausage, or deli meat put away for another meal? Check the package. Chelsea-based Kayem Foods is recalling approximately 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products after a warehouse cooling problem.

The recall covers specific products and packages. It does not cover everything the company sells, so the label on your package matters more than the brand name alone.

The USDA’s October 17 recall notice says the products may have been stored at unsafe temperatures. The agency classified it as a Class I recall, meaning there is a reasonable probability that eating an affected product could cause serious illness or death.

Start with the product list

Kayem’s affected-product list includes items sold under several names, including Kayem, Al Fresco, McKenzie, Deutschmacher, Triple M, and others. Listed foods range from frankfurters and chicken sausages to bacon, ham, and deli meats.

The company’s list gives product names, package sizes where provided, UPC codes—the numbers beneath the barcode—and best-before date ranges. Compare those details with your package. Check the size and dates as well as the product name; similar-looking packages may have different details.

The USDA also identifies three establishment markings associated with the recall: “EST. M/P 7839,” “EST. P 20935A,” and “EST. M 9520.” Look for these inside the USDA inspection symbol. Use them alongside the product details, rather than as your only check.

What went wrong

In its October 16 company announcement, Kayem said a cooling-system malfunction at one warehouse caused storage temperatures to vary. The company said it had corrected the issue and was contacting wholesale and retail customers with disposal instructions.

The investigation followed an October 1 complaint about products arriving warm. The USDA identifies production dates of approximately March 31 through October 7. Kayem’s announcement gives a separate June 7–October 14 period for storage and shipping. These dates describe different stages, so use the package lists to identify affected food.

Products were distributed nationwide and to Hong Kong, giving this recall a reach well beyond Chelsea. Food Safety News notes that some have long shelf lives. Check the freezer as well as the refrigerator for food you may have saved for later.

What to do next

Do not eat a recalled product. The USDA advises throwing it away or returning it to the place of purchase. Its October 17 notice reported no confirmed illnesses at that time. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider.

For help identifying a package, contact Kayem at 800-426-6100 or info@kayem.com. The company lists customer-service hours as Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern. Have the package details handy so staff can address the specific item you purchased.