- Date Issued: March 17, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on March 18, 2025
- Company Name: Nestlé USA
- Products Involved: Lean Cuisine® and Stouffer’s® frozen meals
- Issue: Potential contamination with wood-like material
- Product Details: Specific batches produced between August 2024 and March 2025
- Action: Consumers advised not to consume affected products and to return them for a refund or replacement
Stick around to find out more about this recall!
What happened?
On March 17, 2025, Nestlé USA initiated a voluntary recall of certain Lean Cuisine® and Stouffer’s® frozen meals due to potential contamination with wood-like material. The recall was prompted by consumer reports, including one potential choking incident.
Affected products
The recall includes the following products:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date |
Lean Cuisine | Butternut Squash Ravioli | 8 oz | 013800310844 | OCT2025 |
Lean Cuisine | Spinach Artichoke Ravioli | 8 oz | 013800310851 | DEC2025 |
Lean Cuisine | Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry | 9 oz | 013800310868 | SEPT2025 |
Stouffer’s | Party Size Chicken Lasagna (96 oz) | 96 oz | 013800310875 | OCT2025 |
Note: Batch codes can be found on the side of the product packaging.
What caused the issue?
The recall was initiated due to the potential presence of wood-like material in the affected products. This foreign material contamination can occur due to:
- Processing or packaging errors where fragments from wooden pallets, utensils, or machinery components accidentally enter the food.
- Raw ingredient contamination from sources like wooden storage crates or transport equipment.
Health risks & symptoms
Ingesting wood fragments poses serious health risks, including:
- Choking Hazard: A particular risk for children and elderly individuals.
- Mouth and Throat Injuries: Small, sharp pieces can cause cuts or irritation.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: If swallowed, wood fragments can lead to internal injuries or blockages, causing severe discomfort and digestive problems.
- Infections or Internal Damage: If a sharp fragment punctures the digestive tract, it could cause bleeding or infection.
Who’s most at risk?
- Young children who may not recognize the danger of consuming a contaminated meal.
- Elderly individuals or those with difficulty swallowing.
- Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions who could experience exacerbated symptoms from foreign objects in food.
10 common questions you may have
- What exactly is in the contaminated meals?
- Small, wood-like fragments that may have entered during production.
- How dangerous is it to consume these meals?
- Ingesting wood can cause choking, mouth injuries, or digestive issues.
- Has anyone been harmed by this recall?
- One potential choking incident has been reported, but no confirmed injuries.
- How do I check if my product is affected?
- Look for the batch code on the packaging and compare it with the recall list.
- Can I get sick from eating a recalled meal?
- If you swallowed wood fragments, you may experience throat irritation, digestive issues, or choking hazards.
- Should I contact a doctor if I ate a recalled meal?
- If you feel any discomfort, have trouble swallowing, or experience digestive pain, seek medical attention.
- Can I still return the meal if I already opened it?
- Yes! Return it to the retailer for a refund or replacement.
- Will Nestlé compensate consumers for this mistake?
- Nestlé is offering full refunds and replacements through retailers.
- What is Nestlé doing to prevent this from happening again?
- The company is actively investigating the issue and enhancing quality control.
- Where can I get more information about the recall?
- Visit Nestlé USA’s website or FDA recall page.
Here’s what you should do
- Check Your Freezer: Identify if you have any of the affected products by checking the product name, size, UPC, and best by date.
- Do Not Consume: If you have any of the recalled products, do not prepare or eat them.
- Return or Dispose: Return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a replacement or a full refund. Alternatively, dispose of the product safely.
- Contact Nestlé USA: For further support, call Nestlé USA at (800) 681-1676, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. EST.
Behind the brand
Nestlé USA, a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A., is a leading food and beverage company known for brands like Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s. The company has a history of product recalls, including a 2020 recall of Lean Cuisine Baked Chicken meals due to potential plastic contamination.
Other similar recalls are the following:
- On February 4, 2025, Pacific Coast Fresh Co. recalled 71,987 cups of its King Harvest Hummus products due to possible plastic contamination.
- On February 7, 2025, Stiebs LLC issued a recall on over 500,000 Organic Acai Bowls due to potential plastic contamination.
“Incidents like this highlight why rigorous quality control is essential at every stage of food production. Food safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting consumers and earning their trust. Shoppers expect safe, reliable products, and as an industry, we have a responsibility to uphold those expectations. Whether it’s contamination, mislabeling, or other safety issues, prompt and transparent action is key. Taking accountability and implementing proactive solutions are vital steps in ensuring public health and maintaining confidence in the food supply.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
Food safety is paramount in the food industry. Contaminations like this not only pose health risks but also affect consumer trust and brand reputation. Companies must implement stringent quality control measures to prevent such issues. Consumers are reminded to stay informed about recalls and handle affected products appropriately.
For more insights or to explore our range of high-quality ingredients, feel free to contact us!
