Fenway Franks, Old Tyme Reds among 68 products recalled by Kayem Foods

Chelsea, Massachusetts-based Kayem Foods is voluntarily recalling over 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products after discovering a malfunction in its cooling system. 

The products, including Fenway Franks, Old Tyme Reds, chicken sausages, bacon, and ham, were stored and shipped between June 7 and Oct. 14. In total, 68 different products across multiple lots and expiration dates are being recalled. 

Kayem, which is working with the USDA, said it recently discovered a cooling system malfunction at one of the company’s warehouses, resulting in temperature deviations in storage. 

The discovery was made after a retail consumer complained about warm product temperatures at the point of delivery on Oct. 1. 

The USDA said the recalled products were produced between March 31 and Oct. 7. 

Consumers who purchased the products, which can be identified by brand, item description, UPC, and lot code, are advised to dispose of them and not consume them. 

So far, the USDA says there have been no confirmed reports of illness from consuming these products. 

“Our business depends on providing consumers with safe food of the highest quality,” said Kayem Foods President and CEO Matt Monkiewicz in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are undertaking this voluntary recall.” 

“We take food safety very seriously and apologize to our valued consumers,” Monkiewicz continued. “Our management team takes full responsibility. We have learned from and corrected the issue and will not allow this to happen again.” 

Kayem Foods, which is a family-owned company headquartered in Chelsea, is contacting each of its wholesale and retail customers directly with instructions to identify and dispose of the recalled products. 

Click here for the list of recalled products.

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.