Clearwater, FL — Turkey bacon recall alert: Risk of Listeria

Clearwater, FL (July 9th, 2025) – A major recall of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon has raised public health concerns nationwide after routine U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) testing found possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects over 367,000 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon produced by Kraft Heinz Foods Company. 

The impacted products were shipped to retailers across the U.S. and exported to the Bahamas, St. Martin, and Sint Maarten, prompting urgent warnings from federal food safety officials.

At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we closely track nationwide product recalls and food safety alerts to protect Las Vegas residents from serious injuries and preventable deaths. If you or a loved one became ill after consuming a dangerous or defective product, we encourage you to contact our firm. We help clients recover compensation for their losses and hold negligent manufacturers and retailers accountable. Contact our law group today at 727-499-9900.

Identifying the Recalled Products

The affected products include Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original, sold in 12-ounce vacuum-sealed packages. Consumers should look for a Use By date between August 21 and August 28, 2025, and lot code RS11. The product bears the establishment number EST. P-7347 inside the USDA mark of inspection. Some multipack versions may also be included under this lot code, depending on packaging and point of sale.

Shoppers are urged to inspect any turkey bacon in their refrigerator or freezer. If the labeling matches the recalled lot, the product should not be consumed. The USDA recommends throwing it away or returning it to the place of purchase for a refund.

At the time of the product recall announcement, no illnesses had been reported, but the recall was classified as Class I—the most serious category, indicating a high probability that the product could cause severe illness or death.

How the Contamination Was Found

The contamination was discovered through routine testing at the Kraft Heinz production plant. By the time the bacteria was detected, the products had already been shipped nationwide and abroad. While Kraft Heinz voluntarily initiated the recall, no additional details have been released about how the contamination occurred within the production facility. The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is continuing its investigation.

This recall is not an isolated event. In recent years, several ready-to-eat meat products, including deli meats and hot dogs, have been pulled from shelves due to Listeria contamination. These incidents raise concerns about the adequacy of cleaning protocols, temperature controls, and environmental monitoring in facilities that handle pre-cooked meat products.

Understanding the Risks of Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can grow even in refrigerated foods. It poses a particular risk to pregnant individuals, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Infection, called listeriosis, may begin with mild flu-like symptoms but can escalate quickly. In serious cases, the bacteria can invade the bloodstream or central nervous system, leading to sepsis, meningitis, or death. Pregnant individuals face the added risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal infection.

Unlike some foodborne illnesses, Listeria can take days or even weeks to show symptoms. This delayed onset often makes it harder for consumers to trace the source of their illness. For those who have consumed the recalled product and experience symptoms like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal distress, immediate medical attention is recommended.

Legal Requirements to Bring a Claim

To successfully pursue a foodborne illness lawsuit tied to the recalled turkey bacon, a person generally must prove that the product was contaminated, that they consumed it, and that it caused their illness. This may involve receipts or packaging to show purchase, medical testing to confirm listeriosis, and records that document the resulting harm, such as emergency room visits, hospitalization, or missed work.

Although these claims can be challenging to prove, they are not impossible, particularly if there is leftover product from the same lot that can be tested. An experienced defective products lawyer can help establish a clear link between the recalled item and the resulting illness.

Who May Be Legally Responsible?

When a consumer becomes seriously ill after eating a contaminated food product, multiple parties may be liable for the harm caused. Kraft Heinz, as the manufacturer, is directly responsible for ensuring that its food products are safe for public consumption. If the company failed to maintain proper sanitation, monitoring, or hazard controls, it may be held accountable under product liability law.

Liability may also extend beyond the manufacturer. Distributors and logistics companies could face scrutiny if poor handling or temperature abuse during transport allowed the bacteria to grow. Retailers may be held responsible if they failed to act on recall notices or continued to sell the affected products after the USDA alert was issued.

In Nevada, product liability laws allow injured consumers to recover damages when a defective product causes harm. That includes not only physical illness, but also economic losses, such as medical expenses or lost income.

Time Limits on Legal Action

Nevada imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury and product liability claims. This means that legal action must be filed within two years from the date of illness or death. However, the practical timeline can be much shorter when it comes to gathering evidence. Product packaging, receipts, and medical documentation are crucial to building a case, and these items are often lost or discarded.

Acting quickly can make a significant difference, especially when lab testing or tracing the source of illness is required.

Protecting Consumers in Nevada

At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we’re closely monitoring the Kraft Heinz turkey bacon recall and its potential impact on Nevada residents. If you became ill after consuming the recalled product, or if you suffered financial harm due to the contamination, we can help.

Our team handles product liability and foodborne illness claims throughout Las Vegas and Clark County. We work with medical experts and investigators to identify the source of contamination and pursue justice for our clients. Call us today at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association