If chicken sausage or deli turkey is part of your weekly alpha-gal rotation, this one is worth a quick fridge check.
On October 17, 2026, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Kayem Foods is recalling about 1,584,361 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
Most of the headlines are about hot dogs, bacon, and ham. Those were never on our plates anyway. But tucked inside this recall are several chicken and turkey products many of us rely on for quick, mammal-free protein, including Al Fresco chicken sausage.
So let’s skip what we can’t eat and focus on what matters for alpha-gal households.
Why These Products Were Recalled
This recall is about temperature, not ingredients.
On October 1, a retail customer told Kayem that products arrived warm. The company investigated and found that a warehouse cooler holding a range of ready-to-eat products had experienced temperature swings.
FSIS classified it as Class I, its highest-risk category. As of the announcement, there were no confirmed reports of illness.
Why does that matter? Ready-to-eat products like precooked sausage and sliced turkey are often eaten without further cooking, so cold storage is a big part of what keeps them safe.
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The Chicken and Turkey Products Included
The recalled products were made between March 31 and October 7, 2026, with expiration dates running from May 2026 into February 2027. That long window means some of these could still be sitting in your freezer.
Poultry items named in the recall coverage include:
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| Al Fresco | Roasted Garlic Chicken Sausage (UPC 003077102632) |
| Al Fresco | Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage |
| Al Fresco | Spinach and Feta Chicken Sausage |
| Al Fresco | Hot Honey Chicken Sausage |
| Al Fresco | Chicken Meatballs |
| Al Fresco | Breakfast chicken sausage patties |
| McKenzie | Oven Roasted Turkey Breast |
| McKenzie | Honey Maple Turkey Breast |
The full recall list covers more than 100 products, so it may include other Al Fresco flavors or poultry items. Before you toss or keep anything, check your package against the official FSIS product list, which has every UPC and date.
How to Check Your Fridge and Freezer
- Pull out any Al Fresco or McKenzie poultry products you have on hand.
- Find the USDA inspection mark on the package. Recalled products carry EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, or EST. M 9520 inside that mark.
- Match the UPC and date against the FSIS product list.
- If it is on the list, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store where you bought it.
- Questions about a specific product? Kayem customer service is available at 800-426-6100.
If you have eaten something on the list and feel unwell, reach out to your healthcare provider.
A Few Alpha-Gal Notes While You’re Reading Labels
This recall has nothing to do with alpha-gal. But since you’ll have these packages in your hand anyway, it’s a good moment to look a little closer.
Shared facilities. The M and P in a USDA establishment number stand for meat and poultry. A plant marked M/P handles both. Some of us do fine with poultry made alongside mammal products. Others react to cross-contact. Alpha-gal looks different for everyone, so go with what you know about your own body and your doctor’s guidance.
Casings. Sausage casings vary by brand and product, and they aren’t always made from the same animal as the filling. Read the ingredient list every time, even on a brand you’ve trusted for years. Recipes and suppliers change.
Dairy. The Spinach and Feta flavor contains cheese. If you’re avoiding dairy, that one probably wasn’t in your cart, but it’s worth a reminder for anyone still learning which flavors work for them.
The Alpha-Gal Confidence Tracker is a simple way to keep notes on brands and products that work for you, plus anything that gave you trouble. That record comes in handy at doctor appointments too.
Want more alpha-gal-friendly dinners like this one planned out for you? The Alpha-Gal Meal Plans deliver done-for-you, mammal-free meal plans straight to your inbox every month — so you can spend less time figuring out what to eat and more time enjoying it. Learn more at alphagalmealplans.com.
When Your Go-To Protein Disappears
Losing a reliable product, even for a few weeks, stings when your list of safe options is already short. I get it. Every grab-and-go food that works for us matters.
If you need fresh ideas while you restock, the Alpha-Gal Recipes Cookbook has over 70 dairy-free, mammal-free recipes, including plenty of chicken dishes. You’ll also find free recipes in the Chicken category here on the site.
And if you spot a recall or a label change that affects our community, share it in the Alpha-Gal Diet Facebook group. We look out for each other there.
Sources
FSIS recall announcement 026-2026
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs and dietary restrictions.