Nestlé Recalls Frozen Meals Over Potential Wood Contamination
Nestlé Prepared Foods has initiated a voluntary recall of approximately 356,000 pounds of frozen meals due to possible contamination with wood fragments. The affected product, Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo, was produced on April 22, 2024, and distributed across the United States. No injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.
Details of the Recall
The recall applies to 9.25-ounce boxes of Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo with a “Best Before” date of April 2025. The products bear the establishment number “EST. P-9018” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Nestlé issued the recall following consumer complaints regarding the presence of wood-like material in the meals.
Recipients who have purchased these items are advised not to consume them. Instead, consumers should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Industry Implications
This recall underscores the ongoing challenges food manufacturers face in maintaining quality control in large-scale production. Foreign material contamination, while uncommon, can pose a risk to consumer safety and lead to costly recalls, impacting both brand reputation and supply chain logistics.
For FMCG brands, this incident highlights the need for stringent quality assurance protocols, robust supply chain monitoring, and rapid response strategies to protect consumer trust. Nestlé’s swift action demonstrates the importance of proactive risk management in the frozen food sector.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers with concerns can contact Nestlé Prepared Foods for further assistance. Additionally, retailers and distributors handling the affected inventory should follow recall protocols to remove the product from shelves efficiently.
Manufacturers across the FMCG sector can use this as a reminder to reinforce food safety measures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while safeguarding consumer confidence in frozen food products.