Bestway Sandwiches Inc. Recalls Frozen Chicken & Cheese Taquitos Due to Metal Contamination

• Date Issued: January 11, 2025
• Announced by: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
• Company Name: Bestway Sandwiches Inc.
• Product Name: Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
• Issue: Possible contamination with metal fragments
• Product Details: 20-oz. carton packages, Production dates 07/03/25 and 09/25/25, EST. P-40327
• Action Steps: Do not consume. Return to the place of purchase or discard safely.

Stick around to learn more about this recall and how to handle the situation responsibly.

What happened?

Bestway Sandwiches Inc., based in Valencia, CA, has issued a recall for 24,870 pounds of its frozen Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos. The recall, announced by FSIS on January 11, 2025, stems from reports of metal contamination in the product. A consumer complaint revealed the presence of a metal piece in the taquitos, with another consumer reporting a dental injury linked to the product. The affected taquitos were produced on July 3, 2024, and September 25, 2024, and distributed nationwide to ALDI grocery stores. They can be identified by the following details:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Production Dates
Casa Mamita	Chicken & Cheese Taquitos	20 oz	EST. P-40327	07/03/25, 09/25/25

What caused the issue?

The recall was prompted by the discovery of metal fragments, which pose significant health risks if ingested. While no widespread illnesses have been reported, there is one confirmed dental injury.

Risks of Metal Contamination

Metal fragments in food can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Physical Injuries: Sharp fragments can cause cuts or punctures in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
• Dental Damage: Hard metal pieces can chip or crack teeth, potentially requiring costly dental procedures.
• Choking Hazards: Small pieces may obstruct the airway, posing life-threatening risks.
• Internal Injuries: If swallowed, metal fragments can cause internal bleeding or perforations in the digestive system.
• Infections or Complications: Open wounds or internal injuries caused by metal fragments may lead to secondary infections.

Children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to these risks. FSIS is actively monitoring the recall to ensure affected products are removed from the market and has urged consumers to check their freezers for the identified products.

1. How do I know if my taquitos are affected?
   Check the label for “EST. P-40327” and Production Dates 07/03/25 or 09/25/25. If your package matches, do not consume it.
2. What should I do if I ate the product?
   Monitor for symptoms like abdominal pain or injuries. Contact a healthcare provider if you suspect any issues.
3. Can I get a refund for the recalled product?
   Yes, return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
4. Are there reports of severe injuries?
   One dental injury has been confirmed, but no other severe cases have been reported.
5. Why is metal contamination so dangerous?
   Metal fragments can cause choking, internal injuries, or dental damage, posing serious health risks.
6. How did the contamination occur?
   The exact cause has not been disclosed but may involve equipment failure during production.
7. What is FSIS doing about this issue?
   FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure the product is no longer available to consumers.
8. Is it common for this to happen?
   Yes recalls are common and occur periodically in the food industry, they highlight the importance of rigorous quality control to minimize risks.
9. What should I do with the product?
   Dispose of it safely or return it to the retailer for a refund.
10. Where can I get more information?
    Contact Bestway Sandwiches Inc. at (818) 361-1800 EXT.110 or FSIS via their hotline at 888-674-6854.

Here’s what you should do

To ensure your safety and prevent any potential health issues, follow these steps:

• Check the Label: Look for the establishment number EST. P-40327 and Production Dates 07/03/25 or 09/25/25 on the carton’s bottom panel.
• Dispose or Return: Do not consume the product. Either discard it safely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
• Contact the Company: For further questions, reach out to Bestway Sandwiches Inc. at (818) 361-1800 EXT.110.
• FSIS Support: Consumers with additional concerns can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or submit queries via email to [email protected].

Behind the brand

Bestway Sandwiches Inc. has a reputation for producing quality frozen food products; however, recalls are not uncommon in the food industry. They underscore the critical need for rigorous quality control in manufacturing processes. Metal contamination is a recurring issue, as demonstrated by other recalls. For example, on December 9, 2024, Riverside Natural Foods recalled their Made Good Granola Bars due to metal fragments. Similarly, Impossible Foods recently issued a recall for their Ground Sausage product for the same reason.

“Within the dynamic food industry, maintaining rigorous quality control is more than a regulatory requirement; it’s a critical safeguard for consumer well-being and brand reputation. From sourcing raw materials to final product delivery, every step demands a proactive approach—ensuring strict oversight of suppliers, continual equipment reliability, and open communication with customers. In this ever-evolving landscape, staying vigilant is not merely an option—it is essential. A single oversight can reverberate throughout the supply chain, compromising trust and safety at a broader scale.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO. 

Ensuring safe eats

Food safety is paramount, especially for bulk buyers and distributors dependent on consistent quality. Recalls like this emphasize the need for meticulous manufacturing processes to prevent contamination and protect public health.

For companies, this serves as a reminder to prioritize:

• Regular equipment maintenance to avoid physical contaminants.
• Comprehensive consumer complaint protocols to address issues promptly.

For consumers, always check labels, heed recall notices, and reach out to manufacturers when in doubt. By staying informed, we can collectively ensure safer food practices.

Have questions or need high-quality, rigorously tested ingredients? Contact our team at Source86 today to learn more about our commitment to safe, reliable products.