- Date Issued: February 12, 2025
- Company: The Fillo Factory Inc.
- Product: Chef’s Line US Foods Black Bean Burger, 3 Grain Burger, and 3 Grain Slider
- Issue: Possible foreign material contamination (bolt)
- Product Details: Frozen veggie burgers and sliders, distributed in Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware
- Action Required: Consumers and businesses should not consume, sell, or distribute the recalled products and check their inventories for affected lot codes.
Shall we learn more about this? Keep on reading!
What happened?
The Fillo Factory Inc., a Northvale, NJ-based food manufacturer, has issued a recall for three of its Chef’s Line US Foods veggie burger products due to possible contamination with a bolt. The recall, initiated on February 12, 2025, affects a whopping 74,514 cases of frozen Black Bean Burgers, 3 Grain Burgers, and 3 Grain Sliders. While classified as a Class II recall, meaning serious health risks are low, the presence of a bolt in food products could still pose hazards such as choking or dental injuries.
Recalled products overview
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Chef’s Line US Foods | Black Bean Burger | 36/4.25 oz. | Various lot codes | Various dates | Foreign object (bolt) |
Chef’s Line US Foods | 3 Grain Burger | 36/4.25 oz. | Various lot codes | Various dates | Foreign object (bolt) |
Chef’s Line US Foods | 3 Grain Slider | 54/1.8 oz. | Various lot codes | Various dates | Foreign object (bolt) |
What caused the issue?
The recall stems from foreign material contamination, specifically the presence of a bolt in the food products. This type of contamination can occur due to:
- Equipment malfunctions during the production process
- Loose hardware from manufacturing machines
- Inadequate quality control checks
Risks of foreign material contamination
Though classified as a Class II recall, meaning severe injury risks are relatively low, consuming foreign objects can lead to:
- Choking hazards, particularly for young children and elderly individuals
- Dental damage, such as cracked or broken teeth
- Internal injuries, including lacerations in the digestive tract if swallowed
- Gastrointestinal issues, leading to pain, nausea, or internal bleeding in severe cases
Who’s most at risk?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to the dangers of foreign object contamination, including:
- Children who may not recognize or chew food properly
- Elderly individuals with dental sensitivities or difficulty swallowing
- Immunocompromised individuals who may have more severe reactions to internal injuries
- Anyone with a swallowing disorder or sensitivity to solid food textures
Common symptoms of ingesting foreign objects
If a consumer accidentally swallows a foreign object, symptoms may include:
- Mouth or throat pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sharp stomach pain
- Vomiting or nausea
- Blood in saliva or stool (indicating internal injury)
If any of these symptoms appear, seeking medical attention is strongly advised.
10 common questions you may have
1. What should I do if I already ate one of these products?
- If you haven’t noticed any unusual textures or symptoms, you’re likely safe. However, monitor for any discomfort or signs of injury.
2. How can I check if my veggie burgers are affected?
- Look at the lot codes and expiration dates listed in the recall. If your product matches, do not consume it.
3. What happens if I find a foreign object in my food?
- Take a picture, document the packaging details, and report it to both the manufacturer and the FDA.
4. Can I get a refund for my recalled product?
- Yes, most retailers will offer a full refund for recalled products.
5. What health risks do bolts in food pose?
- Choking, broken teeth, or, in rare cases, internal injuries if swallowed.
6. How did a bolt end up in my food?
- Likely due to machinery malfunctions or poor quality control during production.
7. Have there been similar recalls recently?
- Yes, foreign object contamination is a common cause for recalls across various food categories.
8. How can I report an issue if I find one?
- You can report to the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal or contact the manufacturer directly.
9. Should businesses be worried about liability if they sold these products?
- Retailers should follow FDA guidelines and remove affected products immediately to avoid customer complaints or legal issues.
10. How can food manufacturers prevent this from happening again?
- Implement better metal detection systems, stricter quality control checks, and routine machinery inspections.
Here’s what you should do
If you have any of the recalled products, here’s how to handle the situation:
- Do not consume the product
- Check the label: Look for the lot codes mentioned in the recall
- Dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase
- Contact the manufacturer for more information or refunds
For further details, consumers can refer to the FDA recall notice here.
Behind the brand
The Fillo Factory Inc. is known for producing a variety of plant-based and frozen food products. This isn’t the first time a recall has affected the food industry due to foreign object contamination. In the past few months, similar recalls have been issued for:
- On February 12, 2025, Del Monte Foods, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of their Good & Gather Cut Green Beans due to potential contamination with a foreign object.
- On January 21, 2025, DJ’s Boudain recalled its sausage links due to foreign matter contamination.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in food production and quality control.
“In the fast-moving world of food production, maintaining safety and quality isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting consumers and preserving trust. Quality control needs to be proactive, covering everything from ingredient sourcing to final packaging. A single oversight can lead to widespread consequences, affecting both consumer well-being and a brand’s reputation. Staying ahead with rigorous checks and swift action is essential to navigating these challenges effectively.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall is a reminder of why stringent quality control measures are essential in food manufacturing. Companies must prioritize:
- Stronger equipment inspections to prevent loose hardware contamination
- Enhanced production line checks to catch issues before distribution
- Better consumer awareness so affected products are removed quickly
If you’re in the food industry and want to ensure top-tier ingredient sourcing, contact our team at Source86 for high-quality, thoroughly vetted food ingredients. Let’s keep our plates free of unwanted surprises—like bolts in our burgers!
