Kraft Heinz has issued a major recall of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon just before the Fourth of July, warning that the product may be contaminated with Listeria. Officials say the timing is worrying, as many families are preparing for “holiday grilling,” but the product could contain a “dangerous pathogen capable of causing severe illness.”

Federal regulators report that “nearly 368,000 pounds of turkey bacon have been recalled nationwide.” The recall affects 12-ounce packages and the larger multipacks sold in many grocery stores.

Listeria is not a minor risk. Healthy adults may only feel mild symptoms, but the infection can be life-threatening for vulnerable groups. The article warns it can lead to “miscarriage, meningitis, sepsis, or death.” Even though no cases have been reported yet, officials urge people to throw out any recalled items, noting that contaminated food may “appear perfectly normal.”

The recall has created extra worry ahead of Independence Day gatherings. Major retailers such as Target sold the affected bacon, and shipments even reached international markets, turning what started as a U.S. recall into a much broader concern.

This situation is also a reminder that even well-known brands can have safety issues. As the article notes, “the real danger… often isn’t visible,” and this incident shows why food safety alerts matter. Consumers are advised to check their labels, stay updated on recall notices, and take no risks with questionable products.