Nestlé Recalls Popular Frozen Meals Over ‘Wood-Like’ Contamination—Is Your Dinner Safe?
Nestlé USA has issued a nationwide recall of specific Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s frozen meals due to potential contamination with “wood-like material,” which poses a choking hazard. This recall affects various batches of Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, and Stouffer’s Party Size Chicken Lasagna.
What Products Are Affected?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recalled frozen meals were manufactured between August 2024 and March 2025 and distributed nationwide from September 2024 to March 2025. The affected batch numbers and expiration dates include:
Recalled Lean Cuisine Meals:
- Butternut Squash Ravioli: Batch numbers 4261595912 (OCT2025), 4283595912 (NOV2025), 4356595912 (JAN2026), 5018595912 (FEB2026), and 5038595912 (MAR2026).
- Spinach Artichoke Ravioli: Batch numbers 4311595912 (DEC2025), 5002595912 (FEB2026), 5037595912 (MAR2026), and 5064595912 (APR2026).
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry: Batch number 4214595511 (SEPT2025).
Recalled Stouffer’s Meals:
- Party Size Chicken Lasagna (96 oz): Batch numbers 4262595915 (OCT2025), 4351595915 (JAN2026), 5051595915 (MAR2026), and 5052595915 (MAR2026).
Why Is This Recall Happening?
The recall was triggered after consumer complaints and one reported choking incident involving these products. Nestlé USA is working with the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate the contamination source. Although Nestlé assures that this is an isolated case, they urge consumers to check their freezer for affected batches and avoid consuming them.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased any of the recalled products, take the following steps:
- Check Your Packaging: Locate the batch number and expiration date on the side of the product packaging.
- Do Not Consume: If your frozen meal matches any of the recalled batch numbers, discard it immediately or return it to the retailer for a full refund or replacement.
- Contact Nestlé USA: For further assistance, consumers can contact Nestlé USA at (800) 681-1676 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM EST).
Nestlé’s Response and Next Steps
Nestlé USA has emphasized its commitment to food safety and quality. The company is conducting a full investigation into the incident to prevent future occurrences. Additionally, they are implementing stricter quality control measures to ensure the safety of their products.
Conclusion: What This Means for Consumers
This recall serves as an important reminder to always check product labels and stay informed about food safety alerts. If you have any of the affected meals in your freezer, follow Nestlé’s recall guidelines to ensure your safety.
For official details, FDA recall announcement.
