C.H. Guenther & Son recalls small bites macaroni & cheese

Date Issued: March 14, 2025
Announced by: FDA on March 14, 2025
Company Name: C.H. Guenther & Son LLC
Product Name: 365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese
Issue: Presence of undeclared egg and meat ingredients
Product Details: 8.5 oz cartons sold nationwide in the frozen food aisle
Action Steps: Consumers should destroy any remaining product and may bring a valid receipt into the store for a full refund

Stick around to find out more about this recall!

What happened?

On March 14, 2025, C.H. Guenther & Son LLC, a San Antonio-based food manufacturer, initiated a recall of its 365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese due to undeclared egg and meat ingredients. This action was taken following a consumer complaint that the product contained meat and was not a macaroni and cheese bite. The affected products were distributed nationwide in Whole Foods Market stores between February 6 and March 11, 2025.

Product details:

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
365 Whole Foods Market	Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese	8.5 oz	99482499709	11/29/25	Undeclared egg and meat

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated after a consumer complaint, and the company has since corrected the issue to prevent further errors.

What caused the issue?

Mislabeling and undeclared ingredients are among the top reasons for food recalls in the U.S. In 2024 alone, over 40% of food recalls were due to allergens being left off labels. Common allergens—such as milk, eggs, nuts, and soy—must be clearly listed under FDA regulations.

Why does this keep happening?

Mislabeling during packaging: Human or mechanical errors can cause incorrect labels.
Cross-contamination in production lines: Shared equipment can transfer allergens.
Ingredient substitution mishaps: Recipe adjustments may accidentally introduce allergens.
Supply chain complexity: Third-party suppliers might fail to disclose all ingredients.

Who’s at risk?

Consumers with egg allergies are the most at risk. Even trace amounts of egg can trigger serious allergic reactions, including:

Hives or skin rash
Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention)

The presence of undeclared meat is also a concern for vegetarians, vegans, and those with religious dietary restrictions.

10 common questions you might have

What should I do if I already ate the recalled product?
If you don’t have an egg allergy, you are not at risk. If you do, watch for symptoms and seek medical help if needed.
Why was egg in the product if it wasn’t supposed to be?
The issue likely stemmed from mislabeling or cross-contamination in the manufacturing process.
Is this product safe for vegetarians?
No. Since it contains undeclared meat, vegetarians and vegans should not consume it.
Can I return the product without a receipt?
Whole Foods typically requires a valid receipt for a refund, but policies may vary by location.
Has this company had recalls before?
No recent recalls have been reported, but mislabeling issues are common across the industry.
How can I check if my product is affected?
Look for the UPC code 99482499709 and Best By date of 11/29/25 on the packaging.
What happens if I keep the recalled product?
If you have an egg allergy, consuming it could be dangerous. It’s best to dispose of it immediately.
Will this affect other Whole Foods Market products?
No. The recall only applies to this specific product and lot number.
How can I avoid buying recalled products in the future?
Regularly check the FDA recall list and sign up for allergy alerts from retailers.
What should food manufacturers do to prevent this?
They should implement better allergen control measures, including stricter ingredient verification and improved labeling processes.

Here’s what you should do

Consumers who have purchased the affected product should:

Check the Label: Look for UPC code 99482499709 and a Best By date of 11/29/25.
Dispose of the Product: If you have the affected product, destroy any remaining portions.
Seek a Refund: Bring a valid receipt to Whole Foods Market for a full refund.
Contact the Company: Call C.H. Guenther & Son LLC at 1-210-227-1401 for further information.

Behind the brand

C.H. Guenther & Son LLC, based in San Antonio, TX, is a well-known food manufacturer. While this is their first major recall, mislabeling has been a widespread issue in the industry. Just this last week, on March 14, 2025, HAR Maspeth Corp, based in Maspeth, NY, issued a recall for its “Jinga Glass Noodles with Vegetables (Japche)” due to undeclared eggs. As well as Babcock Dairy which recalled approximately 41 cases of their delicious Orange Custard Chocolate Chip ice cream due to this allergen.

“Consumer safety begins with clear and precise labeling. Failing to disclose allergens like eggs can jeopardize the health of individuals with food allergies and erode consumer trust in food brands. This recall underscores the importance of stringent quality control and transparent ingredient labeling to safeguard public health and maintain industry standards.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the critical role of accurate food labeling. Consumers rely on ingredient lists to make safe dietary choices, and undeclared allergens can lead to life-threatening consequences.

Manufacturers must: