Nestle USA Recalls Frozen Meals Due to Potential Wood-Like Material Contamination
Nestle USA has issued a voluntary recall of four types of frozen meals after receiving consumer reports indicating the potential presence of wood-like material within the products. The recall, announced on Monday, encompasses three Lean Cuisine varieties and one Stouffers product. The affected frozen meals include Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, and Stouffers Party Size Chicken Lasagna. These meals were produced between August 2024 and March 2025.
The company initiated the recall following consumer complaints, including one reported incident of potential choking. In a news release, Nestle USA, headquartered in Virginia, stated, "We are taking this action after consumers contacted Nestle USA about this issue, including one potential choking incident to date." The organization confirmed that the recalled products were distributed at major retailers across the country between September 2024 and March 2025.
The recall affects specific batch numbers of each product. Specifically, five batches of the Butternut Squash Ravioli, five batches of the Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, one batch of the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, and four batches of the Chicken Lasagna are included in the recall. Nestle USA has provided a comprehensive list of the affected batch numbers and corresponding "Best-By" dates to assist consumers in identifying potentially contaminated products.
The affected batch numbers for Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli and Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli are identical, likely indicating a shared production line or ingredient source. The recalled batch numbers and corresponding "Best-By" dates are as follows:
- Batch No. 4261595912; Best-By Date: Oct. 2025
- Batch No. 4283595912; Best-By Date: Nov. 2025
- Batch No. 4356595912; Best-By Date: Jan. 2026
- Batch No. 5018595912; Best-By Date: Feb. 2026
- Batch No. 5038595912; Best-By Date: March 2026
For the Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, the recalled batch number and "Best-By" date are:
- Batch No. 4214595511; Best-By Date: Sept. 2025
The Stouffers Party Size Chicken Lasagna recall includes the following batch numbers and "Best-By" dates:
- Batch No. 4262595915; Best-By Date: October 2025
- Batch No. 4351595915; Best-By Date: January 2026
- Batch No. 5051595915; Best-By Date: March 2026
- Batch No. 5052595915; Best-By Date: March 2026
Nestle USA is urging consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products not to prepare or consume them. Instead, they should return the products to the retailer where they were purchased for a full replacement or refund. This precautionary measure aims to minimize the risk of potential injury or discomfort associated with the presence of wood-like material in the frozen meals.
When contacted for further details, a Nestle spokesperson directed Fox News Digital to the company’s official news release. This indicates that Nestle is centralizing information dissemination through its official channels to ensure consistent and accurate communication with the public.
Nestle USA has initiated a thorough investigation to determine the source of the wood-like material. "We are actively investigating the source of the wood-like material," the company stated in its release. "We are confident that this is an isolated issue, and we have taken action to address it." The company’s statement suggests a commitment to identifying and rectifying the underlying cause of the contamination to prevent future occurrences.
In addition to its internal investigation, Nestle USA is collaborating with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure the safety and integrity of its products. The company stated that it is working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will fully cooperate with their inquiries. This collaboration underscores Nestle’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the recall.
Nestle USA has emphasized that no other Lean Cuisine or Stouffers products are affected by this recall. This information is crucial for consumers who regularly purchase these brands, as it clarifies the scope of the recall and reassures them about the safety of other products within the Lean Cuisine and Stouffers lines.
"The quality, safety, and integrity of our products is the company’s top priority," Nestle USA affirmed. The company also expressed its sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused to consumers and retail customers due to the recall. "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers," the company stated.
The recall highlights the importance of robust quality control measures in the food manufacturing industry and the responsibility of companies to promptly address consumer concerns related to product safety. Nestle USA’s proactive response to the reported contamination, including the voluntary recall, investigation, and collaboration with regulatory agencies, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining consumer trust and ensuring the safety of its products.
It is essential for consumers to carefully review the list of recalled products and batch numbers provided by Nestle USA to determine if they have purchased any of the affected frozen meals. Consumers should also be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated food products and should seek medical attention if they experience any adverse health effects after consuming a recalled item.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with food production and distribution and the importance of maintaining vigilance in ensuring food safety. While food recalls can be disruptive and concerning, they are a necessary mechanism for protecting public health and preventing potential harm from contaminated products.
In addition to the Nestle USA recall, the article also mentions two unrelated food recalls. Macaroni and cheese bites are being recalled due to undeclared eggs, posing a risk to individuals with egg allergies. Furthermore, coffee creamer products are being recalled following complaints of spoilage and illness, highlighting the potential for various types of contamination and quality issues in the food industry. These additional recalls underscore the importance of staying informed about food safety alerts and taking appropriate precautions to protect one’s health.
