Maple Leaf Foods has recalled approximately 12,036 pounds of not-ready-to-eat smoked bacon imported from Canada after the product entered the United States without undergoing required import reinspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced on July 24, 2026.
The recall affects two brands sold under the Royale Natural Applewood Smoked and TOP VALU Uncured Hardwood Smoked labels, distributed to Grocery Outlet retailers and distributors in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The bacon was produced on June 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15, 2026, with sell-by dates ranging from September 1 through September 7, 2026.
The FSIS designated the recall as Class I, the agency’s highest risk classification. According to the FSIS, import reinspection is a verification process that confirms imported meat and poultry products meet U.S. food safety standards before entering commerce. The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection activities.
No confirmed illnesses or injuries have been reported from consuming the recalled products. The FSIS urged consumers who purchased the bacon to discard it or return it to the retailer. The agency noted that some product may remain in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
Import violations are a recurring concern in the food supply chain. The FSIS maintains strict protocols requiring that all imported meat, poultry, and egg products undergo reinspection at U.S. ports of entry. When products bypass this process, they are classified as import violations and subject to recall. According to FSIS directives, any product that does not meet FSIS requirements is refused entry, and importers have up to 45 days to have the product destroyed.
The bacon recall came amid broader scrutiny of food safety. Earlier in July, an egg recall affected 1.6 million dozen over salmonella risk across multiple states, and in late July, Pillsbury rolls were recalled for glass contamination. These recalls underscore the importance of inspection protocols at every stage of food production and distribution.
Maple Leaf Foods, based in Lisle, Illinois, is a major processor of meat and poultry products. The company’s Vice President of Communications, Adam Emery, can be reached at 416-518-5131 for media inquiries. Consumers with food safety questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service — official recall announcement on July 24, 2026, detailing the product, quantity, production dates, states affected, and Class I designation
- USA Today — reporting on the recall details, affected products, distribution states, and import reinspection process
- FSIS Import Procedures and Directives — background on import reinspection requirements and import violation classification
