- Date Issued: April 14, 2025
- Company: MegaMex Foods, LLC
- Product Recalled: La Victoria Cilantro Salsa, Medium
- Issue: Potential wood contamination due to a recalled cilantro ingredient
- Product Details: 15.5 oz jar, UPC #0 72101 34470 3, Best By: Dec 2026
- Action Required: Do not consume. Discard or return to place of purchase
Wanna know more about what happened? Stick around to find out!
What happened?
MegaMex Foods, LLC has voluntarily recalled 501 cases of its La Victoria Cilantro Salsa, Medium after discovering the product might contain wood pieces from a recalled batch of fresh cilantro. The recall was officially issued on April 14, 2025, and posted by the FDA.
The salsa was distributed to California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Michigan and is identified by:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
La Victoria | Cilantro Salsa, Medium | 15.5 oz | 0 72101 34470 3 | December 2026 | Possible wood fragments |
Consumers should not consume the product and are advised to return it or discard it safely.
What caused the issue?
The contamination stems from a recalled cilantro ingredient used in the manufacturing of the salsa. During processing, wood fragments somehow made their way into the product—likely due to poor handling, cleaning, or packaging at the cilantro supplier’s end. That’s one crunchy texture nobody wants in their dip.
Why this is serious:
- Wood contamination can lead to choking, cuts in the mouth or throat, or even internal injury if swallowed.
- While there are no confirmed reports of injury so far, the risk is enough for the FDA and MegaMex to sound the alarm.
At-risk groups:
- Children and older adults
- People with difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Anyone with sensitive gastrointestinal systems
Possible symptoms of injury:
- Pain in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing or choking
- Stomach discomfort or sharp abdominal pain
- Vomiting (if object is swallowed)
10 common questions you may have
Here are 10 quick answers to common questions you might have about this recall:
- Q: Is my salsa dangerous to eat?
A: Yes, if it matches the UPC and best-by date. It may contain wood fragments. - Q: What exactly is the issue?
A: The product may contain wood pieces from a contaminated cilantro batch. - Q: How can I tell if I have the recalled jar?
A: Check for UPC #0 72101 34470 3 and Best By: Dec 2026 on the label. - Q: Can I return the product for a refund?
A: Yes! Return it to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it safely. - Q: What happens if I already ate some?
A: If you feel fine, you’re likely okay. But if you feel pain, choking, or discomfort, contact a doctor. - Q: Are other La Victoria salsas affected?
A: No. Only the Cilantro Salsa, Medium with the listed UPC and date is impacted. - Q: Is this a bacterial contamination?
A: No. This is a physical contamination involving wood splinters. - Q: Should I contact MegaMex Foods?
A: Only if you have questions not answered by the FDA or store return policy. - Q: Can I still use it for cooking if I strain it?
A: Nope—don’t risk it. Wood fragments aren’t always visible and could still be harmful. - Q: Will this affect other MegaMex products?
A: Not at this time, but it’s wise to monitor FDA’s official recall page for updates.
Here’s what you should do
If you’ve got a jar of La Victoria Cilantro Salsa sitting on your shelf, here’s how to handle it safely:
- Check the Label: Look for UPC #0 72101 34470 3 and a Best By date of December 2026.
- Don’t Taste-Test: Even if it looks fine, don’t risk it—wood fragments can cause injury.
- Dispose or Return: Toss the product or return it to the store where you bought it for a refund.
- Have Questions? Contact MegaMex Foods for more info or concerns at their customer service hotline: 1-800-611-9782.
- Save the Info: Take a picture of the label for reference or proof of purchase before disposal or return.
Safety always comes first—when in doubt, throw it out!
Behind the brand
MegaMex Foods, LLC, based in Orange, California, is a joint venture between Hormel Foods and Herdez del Fuerte. Known for iconic brands like Herdez and La Victoria, the company is no stranger to America’s salsa scene.
While MegaMex hasn’t had frequent recalls, foreign object contamination has become an industry-wide concern. Similar cases have been reported in this past month:
- On April 4, Request Foods Inc. announced a Class II recall involving four soup products due to possible wood contamination.
- On April 11, a public health alert was issued by the FSIS, after an FDA-regulated ingredient—cilantro—used in various soup and bowl products was found to be contaminated with foreign material (wood fragments).
“Food safety goes beyond checking boxes—it’s about protecting people and earning their trust every time they open a jar or take a bite. Consumers want food that’s not only tasty but safe. Whether it’s a wood chip in salsa or a labeling error, swift and transparent responses are key. Owning up to issues and implementing real fixes is what keeps public health intact and confidence in our food supply strong.” says Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
These incidents show just how critical ingredient traceability and supplier vetting are in preventing issues.
Ensuring safe eats
Foreign objects in food products don’t just damage teeth—they damage trust. For co-packers, private labels, and ingredient importers, recalls like this one are a clear reminder to:
- Audit and inspect ingredient suppliers regularly
- Install foreign object detection in production lines
- Develop thorough quality control protocols
For brands like MegaMex, this incident is a lesson in supply chain vigilance. And for manufacturers sourcing ingredients in bulk? It’s a call to tighten the net and protect your customers.
Final Reminder: If you have a recalled jar of La Victoria Cilantro Salsa, don’t eat it—return it or dispose of it responsibly.
Got questions about ingredient safety or sourcing? Chat with our team today about our high-quality, recall-free bulk options!
