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Kayem Foods recalls over 24,000 pounds of chicken sausage products

Kayem Foods Issues Major Recall of Chicken Sausage Products Over Plastic Contamination Concerns

In a significant development for food safety, Kayem Foods Inc., a prominent Massachusetts-based meat processor, has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 22,000 pounds of its chicken sausage products. The recall stems from the potential presence of small pieces of plastic in the sausages, which could pose a choking hazard or other health risks to consumers. This action was prompted by consumer complaints and subsequent investigations, highlighting ongoing challenges in the food production industry to maintain product integrity.

The affected products are specifically the "al fresco Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage" variety, a popular choice among health-conscious consumers seeking leaner protein options. These sausages are typically sold in 11-ounce packages, featuring a distinctive label that includes the establishment number "P-7839" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The recalled items were produced on specific dates, namely between November 29 and November 30, 2023, and bear a "Best By" date of May 28, 2024. They were distributed to retail stores nationwide, including major chains in states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond, making this a widespread concern for shoppers across the country.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recall was classified as Class I, which is the highest level of severity. This classification indicates a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. While no confirmed reports of injuries or illnesses have been linked to the consumption of these sausages as of the recall announcement, the FSIS emphasizes the importance of precautionary measures. Consumers who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should either return the items to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them safely to avoid any potential risks.

The discovery of the plastic pieces came to light after Kayem Foods received complaints from customers who found foreign material in the sausages. Upon internal investigation, the company identified the issue as likely originating from a piece of equipment used in the production process. Plastic fragments, even small ones, can break off from machinery during manufacturing, especially in high-volume operations where sausages are formed, cooked, and packaged at rapid speeds. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in food processing lines, where even minor equipment malfunctions can lead to contamination.

Kayem Foods, headquartered in Chelsea, Massachusetts, has been a staple in the meat industry since its founding in 1909. The company prides itself on producing a range of gourmet sausages, hot dogs, and other meat products, often marketed under the al fresco brand, which emphasizes all-natural ingredients and lower-fat alternatives. The Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage, in particular, combines ground chicken with sweet apple pieces and subtle spices, appealing to families and individuals looking for flavorful yet healthier meal options. It's commonly used in breakfast dishes, salads, or as a standalone grilled item, making it a versatile product in many households.

In response to the recall, Kayem Foods issued a statement expressing regret over the inconvenience and reaffirming their commitment to quality and safety. "At Kayem Foods, the safety of our consumers is our top priority," the company said. "We are working closely with the FSIS and our retail partners to ensure that all affected products are removed from shelves promptly. We apologize to our customers and are taking immediate steps to prevent this from happening again." This proactive approach is crucial, as food recalls can significantly impact a company's reputation and bottom line, often leading to lost sales and increased scrutiny from regulators.

This recall is not an isolated incident in the broader context of food safety in the United States. The FSIS oversees thousands of recalls each year, ranging from bacterial contaminations like E. coli or Salmonella to foreign object intrusions such as metal shards, glass, or, as in this case, plastic. In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in recalls involving poultry products, partly due to the growing demand for chicken-based alternatives amid rising beef prices and health trends. For instance, similar recalls have affected other brands, where plastic from packaging materials or equipment has inadvertently entered the food supply chain.

Experts in food safety point out that such contaminations often occur during the grinding or mixing stages of sausage production. Chicken sausages, unlike their pork counterparts, require careful handling to maintain texture and flavor without added fats. The inclusion of fruits like apples in the Sweet Apple variety adds another layer of complexity, as the mixing process must integrate these ingredients uniformly. If a plastic component from a conveyor belt or hopper breaks, it can fragment into tiny pieces that evade initial quality checks.

Consumers play a vital role in these situations. The FSIS recommends regularly checking the agency's website or signing up for recall alerts via email or mobile apps. For this specific recall, individuals can identify the products by looking for the lot codes printed on the packaging. If there's any doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard the item. Parents, in particular, should be vigilant, as children are more susceptible to choking hazards from small foreign objects.

From a regulatory perspective, the FSIS conducts routine inspections at facilities like Kayem's to ensure compliance with federal standards. These include Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, which identify potential risks in the production process and implement controls to mitigate them. In the wake of this recall, it's likely that Kayem will undergo enhanced scrutiny, possibly including audits of their equipment maintenance protocols and employee training programs.

The economic ramifications of such recalls are substantial. For Kayem Foods, recalling 22,000 pounds represents not just the direct cost of the product but also logistics for retrieval, disposal, and potential reimbursements. Retailers face the burden of pulling items from shelves, which can disrupt inventory and lead to temporary shortages. On a positive note, swift action like this often helps rebuild consumer trust, as it demonstrates transparency and responsibility.

Looking ahead, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation in food manufacturing. Companies are increasingly adopting advanced technologies, such as X-ray detection systems and automated sensors, to catch contaminants before products leave the factory. Metal detectors are standard, but detecting non-metallic materials like plastic requires more sophisticated tools. Industry advocates are pushing for stricter guidelines and better funding for the FSIS to enhance oversight.

For affected consumers in the Philadelphia area and beyond, local health departments and consumer protection agencies are available for guidance. If anyone experiences adverse effects after consuming the product, they should seek medical attention immediately and report it to the FSIS through their toll-free hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or via the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.

In summary, while the Kayem Foods recall is a setback, it exemplifies the robust systems in place to protect public health. By staying informed and responsive, both companies and consumers can minimize risks and ensure that everyday food items remain safe. This incident, though unfortunate, reinforces the ongoing dialogue about improving food safety standards in an era of mass production and global supply chains. As the investigation continues, updates from the FSIS will be crucial in providing closure and preventing future occurrences.

Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/kayem-foods-inc-recall-chicken-sausage-plastic-pieces/ ]