Lean Cuisine Recalls Over 87,000 Pounds of Frozen Meals Due to Labeling Error
Lean Cuisine has issued a recall for more than 87,000 pounds of its frozen chicken meals after an undeclared milk allergen was discovered in certain products. The recall was posted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and affects specific varieties of Lean Cuisine meals produced earlier this year.
Products Affected by the Recall
The recall includes Lean Cuisine’s Baked Chicken meals, which may contain undeclared milk due to a labeling issue. The products were manufactured between March 19 and April 4, 2024, and bear the establishment number “EST. 1682” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These meals were distributed nationwide.
FSIS has classified the recall as a Class I situation, indicating a high health risk for consumers with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. According to the agency, consuming the affected products could lead to severe allergic reactions.
Industry and Consumer Implications
Labeling errors can have serious consequences for both brands and consumers, especially in the frozen meals category, where allergens must be clearly declared. With food allergies on the rise, mislabeling incidents reinforce the need for stringent quality control measures across supply chains.
For FMCG brands, this recall highlights the importance of robust allergen management protocols, including accurate ingredient declarations and thorough inspection processes. Retailers carrying Lean Cuisine meals should review their stock and remove affected products to ensure customer safety.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers with a milk allergy are advised to check their Lean Cuisine Baked Chicken meals for the specific production dates and establishment number. Those who have purchased the recalled products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
No adverse reactions have been reported so far, but FSIS encourages anyone concerned about potential illness to contact a healthcare provider. Consumers with questions can reach out to Lean Cuisine’s parent company, Nestlé USA, for further assistance.
Strengthening Label Compliance in the Frozen Foods Sector
This recall underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring accurate labeling in the frozen food industry. As regulatory scrutiny increases, manufacturers must continue refining their quality assurance and traceability systems to prevent mis