Trader Joe’s Public Health Alert: Frozen Pepperoni Pizza Flunks Import Reinspection

Trader Joe’s public health alert: quick summary

The FSIS USDA has flagged Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza (imported from Italy) after discovering it skipped import reinspection. While no recall was requested since the product has already disappeared from store shelves, FSIS warns that some boxes might still be hiding out in consumers’ freezers like frosty villains waiting to strike. The pizzas were sold only in California retail stores, and although no illnesses have been reported so far, officials are urging caution with the classic advice: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

What happened?

On August 29, 2025, FSIS dropped a public health alert for Trader Joe’s frozen Uncured Pepperoni Pizza imported from Italy. The issue? The pies never got their U.S. reinspection stamp of approval. Trader Joe’s waved the red flag themselves after realizing the mistake.

The pizzas (17.63-oz., NRTE, cardboard box) were shipped to California retail locations only. While no one’s reported any pizza-related problems, FSIS fears some frozen fugitives are still in home freezers.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC / Lot	Best By Date	Issue	States Affected
Trader Joe’s	Uncured Pepperoni Pizza (Italy)	17.63 oz	MFG LOT: 06/16/25 & 06/21/25	08/16/26 & 08/21/26	Skipped FSIS import reinspection	California

What caused the issue?

The culprit wasn’t bacteria or mold, no listeria, no salmonella, no pepperoni mutiny. It was pure paperwork sabotage: the pizzas weren’t presented for FSIS import reinspection.

• Risk: Unknown safety verification. Basically, the pizza didn’t get its final exam.
• Groups at risk: Anyone who eats it, from midnight snackers to full-blown pizza enthusiasts.
• Symptoms (if product was unsafe): Could range from regret to foodborne illness, but luckily, no cases were reported.
• Victims: None confirmed. Just wounded pride for fans of imported Italian pizza.

Questions you might have

1. Is the pizza recalled?
   Nope, just a public health alert.
2. Can I still eat it?
   FSIS says no. Don’t risk it.
3. What does “NRTE” mean?
   Not Ready To Eat, must be cooked.
4. Why no reinspection?
   Administrative oversight.
5. Where was it sold?
   Only California Trader Joe’s stores.
6. What if I already ate one?
   If you feel fine, you’re fine. If not, call your doc.
7. How do I check my box?
   Look for MFG LOT and Best By dates.
8. Can I return it?
   Yes, at Trader Joe’s.
9. Was anyone harmed?
   No illnesses reported.
10. Will Trader Joe’s inspect future imports?
    You bet. They’ll be double-checking their pizza passports.

Here’s what you should do

• Don’t eat it—ditch or return it.
• Check the bottom of the box for lot and Best By dates.
• If your pizza matches, it’s part of the alert.
• Questions? Call Trader Joe’s at 626-599-3817 or the USDA Hotline at 888-674-6854.

Behind the brand

Trader Joe’s is beloved for quirky snacks, Hawaiian-shirted employees, and affordable gourmet vibes. But even fan-favorite grocers can hit a snag when import paperwork skips a step.

Other relevant public health alerts

• JBR frozen oysters public safety alert: Norovirus contamination
• FDA public health alert: Great Value frozen shrimp linked to Cesium-137 contamination concerns
• Schnucks Tortellini USDA public health alert: Undeclared allergens found in misbranded pasta
• FSIS issued a public health alert for prep chef products over undeclared allergens
• Riverbend Ranch beef sticks flagged in public health alert over plastic risk
• FSIS issued a public health alert for wraps due to Listeria contamination
• Bianco Inc. Issues public safety alert for sweet heat sirloin beef tips due to misbranding and undeclared allergens

“Food safety is the backbone of trust in the supply chain. Public health alerts may sound scary, but they remind us that vigilance and transparency keep consumers safe.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This alert is less about pepperoni panic and more about process perfection. Skipping reinspection may sound like red tape, but those checks prevent real risks. For Trader Joe’s, it’s a lesson in import diligence. For consumers, it’s a reminder: always read alerts, check your labels, and don’t gamble with freezer finds.

At Source86, we’re here to support safe, top-quality products with bulk ingredients, private label services, and supply chain excellence. Because pizza nights should come with cheese pulls—not caution tape. Contact us!