Lean Cuisine Recalls Over 87,000 Pounds of Baked Chicken Meals Due to Contamination
More than 87,000 pounds of Lean Cuisine’s baked chicken meals have been recalled due to concerns over contamination, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The recall affects specific lots of Lean Cuisine Baked Chicken meals produced on April 22, 2024, after reports of foreign materials being detected in the product.
Details of the Recall
The affected meals, sold nationwide, have been pulled from shelves after consumers reported finding pieces of hard, white plastic in the breading of the chicken. The contamination appears to have originated from a supplier’s processing equipment. Consumers are urged to check for packages bearing the establishment number “EST. P-9018” on the packaging.
The FSIS has classified this issue as a Class I recall, meaning there is a high risk of health consequences if the product is consumed. However, no confirmed reports of injuries or illnesses have been linked to the contamination as of now.
Implications for the FMCG Sector
This recall highlights the growing importance of supply chain oversight in FMCG manufacturing. With increasing focus on food safety regulations, brands face heightened scrutiny over ingredient sourcing and quality control procedures. The incident underscores the need for rigorous supplier vetting and real-time tracking to prevent contamination issues from reaching consumers.
Recalls of this scale can have a noticeable impact on brand trust and consumer loyalty. In response, Lean Cuisine has urged consumers to discard the affected products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Consumer Guidance
Shoppers who have purchased Lean Cuisine’s Baked Chicken meals should look for the recalled batch and avoid consumption. Concerns or questions about the recall can be directed to Nestlé USA, Lean Cuisine’s parent company, for further assistance.
Food safety remains a top priority for manufacturers and retailers alike. This latest incident demonstrates the ongoing challenges FMCG brands face in maintaining product integrity while ensuring customer confidence.