Food recall notices arrive so often that many shoppers skim past them. Two recent federal recalls, however, cover products that many households keep on hand: Walmart's Great Value canned fruit cocktail and Kayem ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Checking your pantry and refrigerator against the identifying details below takes only a few minutes.
Why the Fruit Cocktail Recall Matters
On October 1, Pacific Coast Producers initiated a recall of 1,836 cases of 15-ounce cans of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice From Concentrate because of potentially elevated levels of lead. The product was distributed in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wyoming. Shoppers should check each can for the following details:
- Lot number: 6FCB 04 C2263
- UPC code: 078742369570
- Best-by date: September 1, 2027
Lead exposure is most concerning with repeated or prolonged contact. In adults, it can contribute to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. Children face greater risk because lead can interfere with the developing brain and nervous system. No known safe level of lead exposure has been identified for children.
What the Kayem Recall Involves
On October 17, Massachusetts-based Kayem Foods Inc. recalled more than 1.58 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that may have been kept at unsafe temperatures. The company discovered the problem after a customer complaint about products delivered warm on October 1. An investigation found that a warehouse cooler used for storage had experienced temperature fluctuations. According to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, the affected products were produced between approximately March 31 and October 7, 2026, and were distributed to retailers and food-service establishments across the US and in Hong Kong.
To determine whether a package is included, look inside the USDA mark of inspection for one of these establishment numbers: EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, or EST. M 9520. FSIS has classified the recall as Class I, its highest health-risk category. At the time of the announcement, no confirmed illnesses had been linked to it.
Why Temperature Control Is the Concern
Harmful bacteria can multiply quickly when perishable food sits between 40°F and 140°F (4.4°C and 60°C), a range known as the temperature danger zone. Depending on the organism, contaminated food can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Older adults, pregnant people, young children, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious complications.
If you have any of the recalled products from either announcement, do not eat them. Discard them or return them to the store where you bought them.