A packaging mix-up and undeclared allergens have led to the recall of a batch of more than 27,000 pounds of DiGiorno pepperoni pizzas by owner Nestlé USA.
Nestlé USA recalled a batch of 26-ounce boxes labeled DiGiorno Crispy Pan Crust Pepperoni Pizzas because instead they contained Three Meat Crispy Pan Crust Pizzas, which have soy protein in them. The protein is in the sausage crumbles and beef toppings, and can be dangerous to people with soy allergies.
The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint that a three-meat pizza was in a carton labeled as pepperoni pizza, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said in a statement on Sunday.
The recalled boxes have the manufacturing date June 30, 2021, and a "best by" date of March 2022. The batch code on the items is 1181510721, the statement added.
Around 27,872 pounds of pizza were affected by the change, according to the FSIS.
"There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider," the statement added.
The faulty pizzas were shipped out to distribution centers and retailers across the United States, said the FSIS.
"FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase," the statement added.
Nestlé said that if you're not allergic to soy, it should be safe to eat the pizzas.
"The quality, safety and integrity of Nestlé USA and DiGiorno products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers," Nestlé USA said in a statement on its website.
Newsweek has contacted Nestlé USA for further comment.
The FSIS is also concerned that another recently recalled item is in consumers' freezers.
Over 33,000 pounds of raw, frozen Ling Ling Potstickers Chicken & Vegetable are being recalled because they may concern extraneous materials—specifically clear, flexible, and hard plastic, according to an alert by the agency on Saturday.
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc's potstickers were produced on June 22, 2021. The company is recalling 4.2-pound plastic bags of the potstickers with lot code 1911203 and a best buy date of 22 October, 2022 on the label.
The FSIS urged consumers who had bought the potstickers not to consume them and instead throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
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Jack Dutton is a Newsweek Reporter based in Cape Town, South Africa. His focus is reporting on global politics and ... Read more
