Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine Recall Frozen Meals Due to Wood Fragment Contamination
Nestlé Prepared Foods is recalling select Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine frozen meals after reports of wood fragments found in certain products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall following consumer complaints.
Products Affected
The recall includes multiple frozen entrées produced between December 2024 and January 2025. Affected products are:
- Stouffer’s Bowl-Fulls Beef and Broccoli
- Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo
- Lean Cuisine Baked Chicken
- Lean Cuisine Chicken Teriyaki
These meals were distributed nationwide through grocery stores and online retailers. All impacted items bear the establishment number “EST. 12661” inside the USDA inspection mark.
Industry and Consumer Impact
While no injuries have been reported, the presence of foreign materials in food poses serious safety risks. Consumers are advised not to consume the affected products and either discard them or return them to their point of purchase.
For Nestlé, this recall underscores the challenges of maintaining quality control in large-scale frozen meal production. Such incidents can erode consumer trust, leading to potential sales declines and increased regulatory scrutiny. Transparency and swift action in cases like this are critical for brand reputation management.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
Foreign object contamination is a top concern for food safety regulators. The FSIS continues investigating the source of the contamination and monitoring corrective actions from the manufacturer. The recall also highlights the importance of robust supply chain oversight and quality assurance measures in frozen food manufacturing.
Next Steps for Consumers
Consumers in possession of the recalled meals should check product packaging carefully. Those with questions can contact Nestlé Prepared Foods for refunds or further assistance. The FSIS also encourages anyone who suspects injury or illness related to these products to report their concerns.