WASHINGTON (March 13, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat stuffed pastry products after discovering that some packages labeled as turkey pesto pastries may actually contain ham and cheese.
According to the agency, the alert involves “LA BOULANGERIE Turkey Pesto & Swiss Cheese Pockets.” Regulators said the product may contain ham and cheese pastries instead of the turkey filling stated on the label, raising concerns for consumers who avoid pork or rely on accurate labeling.
The agency noted that a recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase in stores.
La Boulangerie recall: quick summary
The alert from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service involves frozen stuffed pastries sold under the La Boulangerie label and produced by Shaw Bakers LLC. Regulators said some boxes labeled as turkey pesto pastries may actually contain ham-and-cheese items, making the product misbranded. The affected boxes were distributed to Costco locations across the Midwest.
Although officials did not request a formal recall because the product is no longer available for sale, the agency warned that mislabeled items could still be stored in consumers’ freezers. No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported.
Official recall details
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Date issued: March 13, 2026
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Company: Shaw Bakers LLC (San Leandro, California)
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Product: “LA BOULANGERIE Turkey Pesto & Swiss Cheese Pockets”
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Issue: Misbranding — boxes labeled as turkey pesto pastries may contain ham and cheese
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Product details: Establishment number P-51243A inside the USDA mark of inspection ||| 25.4-oz boxes containing eight pastries ||| Lot code 04926 ||| “Best by” date 02/18/27
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Distribution: Costco locations throughout the Midwest
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Consumer guidance: Check your freezer for the affected product and return it to the place of purchase if found
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Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
The USDA’s food safety division said the issue was identified after the manufacturer notified regulators about two consumer complaints.
According to the agency, Shaw Bakers LLC informed regulators that customers had reported finding ham-and-cheese stuffed pastries inside boxes labeled as turkey pesto products sold under the La Boulangerie brand.
The affected pastries were packaged on Feb. 18, 2026, and shipped to Costco warehouse stores across the Midwest region.
“In its public health alert, FSIS warned that mislabeled products may still be in consumers’ freezers,” the agency said, urging shoppers to check the packaging carefully.
Officials added that the product bears the establishment number P-51243A inside the USDA inspection mark.
The agency also noted that no adverse reactions have been reported so far.
While the alert did not involve a formal recall, the USDA said consumers should still verify whether they have the product at home and avoid consuming it if the contents appear inconsistent with the label.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | Best by date | Issue | Affected states |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Boulangerie | Turkey Pesto & Swiss Cheese Pockets | 25.4 oz (8 pastries) | 02/18/27 | Misbranding — may contain ham & cheese | Midwest U.S. |
What caused the issue?
According to the USDA notice, the problem occurred because some packages labeled as turkey pesto pastries were filled with a different product containing ham and cheese.
Misbranding issues like this can create problems for consumers who avoid certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or religious practices.
The agency confirmed that the issue came to light after two consumer complaints prompted the manufacturer to investigate.
At this time:
- No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported.
- Consumers concerned about potential reactions should contact a healthcare provider.
Questions you might have
The company recalled them after FDA testing found undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil in the products.
Boner Bear Honey, Red Bull Extreme, and Blue Bull Extreme honey supplements.
They are prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction and can cause dangerous drug interactions.
People taking nitrate medications for heart conditions or chest pain.
Possible symptoms include dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and dangerously low blood pressure.
They were sold as single-serving honey tubes marketed for sexual enhancement.
No illnesses or adverse reactions had been reported when the recall was announced.
Check the product name, UPC code, lot number, and expiration date on the packaging.
Stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Consumers can call 1-800-362-4772 or email [email protected] for assistance.
Here’s what you should do
If you purchased the affected pastries, food safety officials recommend taking the following steps:
- Check the label: Look for “LA BOULANGERIE Turkey Pesto & Swiss Cheese Pockets.”
- Verify the lot code: 04926 and best-by date 02/18/27.
- Do not consume the product if the contents appear to be ham-and-cheese pastries.
- Return the product to the place of purchase, such as Costco, for a refund.
- Contact the company with questions or complaints at [email protected].
Behind the brand
Shaw Bakers LLC, based in San Leandro, California, manufactures a range of frozen bakery items for retail and food service markets, including pastries sold under the La Boulangerie label.
The company told regulators it identified the issue after consumer complaints revealed the packaging discrepancy.
Source86 reached out to Shaw Bakers for comment on how the mislabeling occurred, but has not yet received a response.
Other relevant recalls
Food labeling errors are among the most common triggers for food safety alerts. Similar incidents involving mislabeling or undeclared ingredients have been reported across the industry. For example, Bianco Inc. recently issued a public safety alert for Sweet Heat Sirloin Beef Tips after regulators found misbranding and undeclared allergens in the product. In another case, Schnucks issued a USDA public health alert for its tortellini after investigators discovered undeclared allergens in misbranded pasta. These incidents highlight how labeling mistakes (whether involving allergens or undisclosed substances) can quickly escalate into nationwide food safety alerts.
“Undeclared allergens are consistently one of the leading reasons foods are recalled,” said Benjamin Chapman, a food safety expert at North Carolina State University. “Often the issue is a breakdown in labeling controls or verification steps during packaging.”
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said incidents like this highlight broader supply chain challenges.
“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust,” Mizrahi said. “Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”
Ensuring safe eats
Food safety alerts like this one illustrate how even small labeling errors can create significant concerns for consumers and retailers alike. Accurate labeling is essential not only for dietary transparency but also for maintaining consumer trust in food brands.
Consumers who purchased the affected product should check their freezers and return the item if it matches the description.
At Source86, we support food brands with ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label manufacturing systems that prioritize traceability and quality assurance, helping companies respond quickly and responsibly when issues arise. Let’s talk.
