Why Your Breakfast Might Be Ruined

Few things in life bring us as much joy as bacon — and, in particular, its healthier, equally delicious cousin: Turkey bacon. But if you happen to have some in your fridge right now, you might want to give it some serious side-eye. Oscar Mayer, and its parent company, Kraft Heinz Foods, recalled turkey bacon — two million entire pounds of it — earlier this week after several people became ill. The batch in question could be adulterated because it could spoil before its "Best When Used By" date. If you recently purchased Oscar Mayer turkey bacon, be sure to check to see if it's part of the affected batch — even if it ruins your plans for breakfast.

In a press release issued through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday, Kraft Heinz Foods Company has recalled approximately 2,068,467 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon due to possible adulteration, which is a legal term that means a food product failed to meet the health and safety standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the USDA. In this case, the turkey bacon is possibly adulterated because it could spoil before the suggested date on its packing.

The recalled bacon was produced between May 31, 2015, and Aug. 6, 2015 and are labeled with the establishment number "P-9070" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the line number "RS19." The products were shipped throughout the U.S., as well as the Bahamas and St. Martin.

The specific recalled products are:

• 56 oz. cardboard boxes (containing four plastic wrapped packages) marked Oscar Mayer “Selects Uncured Turkey Bacon” bearing the plant number P-9070, the line number RS19 and Product UPC 0 4470007633 0, and with “Best When Used By” dates of 24 AUG 2015 through 26 OCT 2015.
• 36 oz. cardboard boxes (containing three plastic wrapped packages) marked Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon "Smoked Cured Turkey Chopped and Formed" bearing the plant number P-9070, the line number RS19 and Product UPC 0 7187154874 8, and with “Best When Used By” dates of 28 AUG 2015 through 20 OCT 2015.
• 48 oz. cardboard boxes (containing four plastic wrapped packages) marked Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon “Smoked Cured Turkey Chopped and Formed” bearing the plant number P-9070, the line number RS19 and Product UPC 0 7187154879 3, and with “Best When Used By” dates of 3 SEPT 2015 through 30 OCT 2015.

You can view the labels here.

The recall was issued after the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) received reports of illness related to spoilage. The FSIS has rated the recall a Class II, which means that there is the "remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product."

As remote as the probability might be — and as delicious as turkey bacon sounds right about now — it's best not to consume any if your product is included in the recall. If you have any questions about the recall, or if you just want to commiserate about not getting to eat bacon with your eggs this morning, you can call Kraft Heinz Consumer Relations Center at (800)-278-3403.

Images: Giphy