Nestlé Recalls 440,000 Pasta Meals Across 37 States Over Contamination Risk
Nestlé USA has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 440,000 units of Stouffer’s Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo due to the potential presence of white plastic pieces in the product. Distributed across 37 states, the ready-made meals may pose a choking hazard or lead to oral injury, prompting immediate action by the food giant.
The affected product carries the batch code 4103595911 and a “best before” date of October 2024. Each package weighs 9.125 oz and includes the USDA mark of inspection “EST 799500.” The recall was announced after Nestlé received multiple consumer complaints regarding the presence of foreign material. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported to date.
The contamination is believed to be linked to an ingredient suppliers used in the affected production batch. Both the company and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are currently investigating the issue further. Nestlé emphasized that the recall does not affect any other Lean Cuisine products or batches.
Retail Impact and Industry Considerations
The meals were shipped to retail locations nationwide, affecting store shelves and online retail inventories in the frozen meals category—a key growth area in the broader FMCG landscape. With consumers increasingly relying on convenient, ready-to-eat solutions, food safety incidents such as this carry significant reputational and supply chain implications for brands operating in this space.
For retailers, the recall calls for swift removal of the specified batch and clear communication to consumers through in-store notices and digital platforms. FMCG professionals should also monitor customer sentiment closely, as product safety remains a leading factor in consumer trust and brand loyalty.
Next Steps and Precautionary Advice
Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are urged not to consume it. Instead, they should return it to the place of purchase or contact Nestlé’s customer care center for a refund. The FSIS has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating a remote probability of adverse health consequences, but still urging timely consumer response.
This latest recall highlights the critical importance of supply chain oversight and robust quality control measures in the frozen meals segment. With stringent consumer expectations around food safety and transparency, FMCG stakeholders must continue to invest in end-to-end trace