Food Safety Recalls and Alerts: October 2026 Industry Bulletin
October 2026 brought a steady flow of recall activity across the major food safety authorities, with Listeria monocytogenes in chilled ready-to-eat foods and Salmonella in low-moisture ingredients standing out. A Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts and seeds continues in the United States, and a pistachio-related Salmonella recall affected ready-to-eat salads and pesto in both the UK and Ireland. The most directly temperature-related event of the month came from USDA FSIS, which announced on 17 October a recall of more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry after products were stored in a warehouse cooler with temperature deviations. Beyond that, this bulletin describes the patterns that were actually present rather than implying a temperature cause the authorities did not state.
United States — FDA and USDA FSIS
The most significant notice for temperature control is Kayem Foods Inc.'s recall of meat and poultry products due to possible temperature abuse, announced by FSIS on 17 October. The recall covers more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat products made between 31 March and 7 October 2026, including hot dogs, bacon, sausage and turkey breasts, distributed to retail and foodservice customers across the US and to Hong Kong. According to press coverage of the notice, the company found the products had been stored in a warehouse cooler that experienced temperature deviations, and the problem came to light after a retail customer complaint on 1 October. No confirmed illnesses were reported. It is a clear example of a recall tied to a documented cold-storage deviation rather than to a pathogen finding.
The main US story is a Salmonella Bovismorbificans outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts and sprouting seeds. As of 9 October, FDA reported 32 illnesses and 3 hospitalisations across six states. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts recalled broccoli sprouts in early September, and on 7 October FDA reported that a seed sample from the supplier matched the outbreak strain. Downstream seed recalls followed, including EAK Distribution (Home Grown) calabrese broccoli seeds, Eden Brothers calabrese broccoli seeds and Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 broccoli sprouting seeds. FDA's outbreak investigation page is updated as the investigation continues. Sprouting conditions are warm and humid, so seed-lot contamination is a recognised control point for sprout producers.
On the Listeria side, Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc., a Brooklyn distributor, recalled its Starfish Seafood Trio (vacuum-packed cold-smoked salmon, halibut and trout from Latvia) because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, identified by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. No illnesses were reported. Cold-smoked products are not cooked as part of their processing, which makes hygiene and chilled storage central to their safety.
Canada — CFIA
On 14 October the CFIA triggered a national Class 1 recall of various brands of organic cheeses (Farm Boy, L'Ancêtre and Life Smart) because of Listeria monocytogenes, following CFIA test results. No illnesses were reported, and the CFIA noted that its investigation may lead to further recalls. Separately, a recall of Bahía Paloma and Easy Vodka ready-to-drink cocktails was issued for spoilage, a reminder that preservation-system and shelf-life failures sit alongside pathogen findings.
United Kingdom — Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency announced a recall of several Greencore products because of possible Salmonella in pistachios, including M&S salads and a pistachio and Parmigiano Reggiano pesto. The FSA also issued an action alert on shell eggs from a Ukrainian business linked to Salmonella Enteritidis. Both notices concern ingredient or primary-production sources rather than a processing step at the retailer.
European Union — RASFF
RASFF notifications rarely map one-to-one to consumer recalls, but the national notices show a clear cross-border chain this month. The pistachio-related Salmonella recall appeared in both UK and Irish notices, and chilled smoked salmon with Listeria monocytogenes drove a cluster of Irish recalls. Individual notifications can be searched on the RASFF Window portal, and background on the system is available from the European Commission.
Ireland — FSAI
Listeria in smoked salmon dominated Irish alerts. On 12 October the FSAI announced the recall of Skellig Bay Smoked Salmon Slices, followed on 14 October by a recall of specific batches of SuperValu and Inspired By Centra smoked salmon, all for possible Listeria monocytogenes. A separate SuperValu Smoked Salmon alert covers a further batch. The FSAI also issued the recall of several ready-to-eat Marks and Spencer products on 8 October for the pistachio-related Salmonella concern. The notices do not state a root cause.
Australia and New Zealand — FSANZ
FSANZ listed microbial contamination recalls for Tweedvale Dairies Reduced Fat Milk (12 October) and Supercol Food and Liquid Thickener (26 September, national). Undeclared allergens accounted for most other entries, including Nissin Salt and Sesame Oil Noodles Aburasoba, ASTOR Chocolate Wafer Stick and Sunlife spring roll wrapper, a category where labelling and changeover controls are the usual focus.
What This Means for Food Producers
The month's notices point to familiar themes: Listeria in chilled ready-to-eat foods, Salmonella arriving through low-moisture ingredients and seeds, and allergen labelling errors. The Kayem Foods recall shows what can follow when chilled storage deviates from its set conditions, and how a single cooler issue can affect a large volume of product. Most other notices we reviewed did not state a temperature cause, and we would not suggest otherwise. Taken together they show how much weight falls on verified controls at each step, from supplier assurance to cooking, cooling, chilled storage and distribution.
Thorough HACCP protocols that incorporate proper time-temperature verification remain the most effective defence, and temperature indicators from Temperature Indicators Ltd form part of such protocols, alongside hygiene, sampling and supplier controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pathogens featured most in recent recall notices?
In the notices reviewed for this bulletin, Listeria monocytogenes in chilled ready-to-eat foods (smoked salmon, cheese, delicatessen items) and Salmonella in low-moisture ingredients (pistachios and sprouting seeds) were the most prominent.
Were any of these recalls attributed to temperature problems?
Yes, in one case. USDA FSIS announced on 17 October a recall of more than 1.5 million pounds of Kayem Foods ready-to-eat meat and poultry after products were stored in a warehouse cooler with temperature deviations. None of the other notices we reviewed attributed a recall to insufficient thermal processing or a documented cold-chain failure; they generally state the hazard found, not the root cause.
Why does Listeria matter for chilled foods?
Listeria monocytogenes can grow at refrigeration temperatures, so contamination in a ready-to-eat chilled product can persist through shelf life. Hygiene, validated shelf life and consistent chill control all matter.
What is RASFF?
RASFF is the European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, which lets member states share notifications about food safety risks so that cross-border products can be traced and withdrawn quickly.
How can food producers use time-temperature monitoring?
Time-temperature verification supports HACCP programmes by providing evidence that cooking, cooling, storage and distribution conditions were achieved. It works alongside, not instead of, sampling, hygiene controls and supplier assurance.
About Temperature Indicators Ltd
Temperature Indicators Ltd is a global service provider specialising in temperature-sensitive labels, tags, and indicators for cold chain monitoring, process validation, and regulatory compliance. With 35 years of experience and warehouse stock in both the UK (Manchester) and the US (near Santa Barbara, California), we supply food manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, sterile services departments, and logistics providers worldwide with the temperature monitoring solutions they need to maintain compliance. Contact us for expert guidance on temperature monitoring for your application.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this bulletin is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. Regulatory requirements are subject to change and may vary by jurisdiction, product type, and business size. Organisations are responsible for ensuring their compliance with all applicable regulations. Temperature Indicators Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented based on publicly available sources as of the date of publication. This bulletin should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent legal or regulatory advice.
- Temperature Indicators Staff
