Frozen food products urgently recalled nationwide

Frozen food aisle staples have been recalled across the United States, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico due to potential plastic contamination - here’s everything you need to know.

Morningstar Farms, a plant-based brand specialising in vegan and vegetarian food, has voluntarily recalled two of its popular products: Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties.

The Chicago-based manufacturer said via a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice that the two products may contain ‘plastic pieces’. It has not been confirmed how the possible contamination came about.

The affected Morningstar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets come in 10.5-oz packs and carry the UPC Code 000 28989 10110 5.

Products marked with 7 and 8 July 2027 Better if Used Before Dates are impacted.

8-oz packs of Morningstar Farms Hot and Spicy Sausage Patties, with a 000 28989 10094 8 UPC Code, are also being voluntarily recalled.

Morningstar Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets have been recalled (Kellanova)

These carry three Better if Used Before Dates: 5, 6, and 7 July 2027, and have previously been distributed to stores such as Walmart and Target.

The FDA noted that no other MorningStar Farms products are affected by the recall.

“The company that initiated the product removal issues a recall notice to their direct customers.”

"These notices contain information to help customers identify recalled foods, including the product name, size and type of packaging, Universal Product Code (UPC), product codes, such as lot codes, sellby, or use-by dates, pictures of the packaging and labels, and distribution information (i.e., the states and/or stores in which they were sold)."

No injuries or illnesses have been reported, but purchasers are advised to discard it and contact the company for a full refund.

Consumers are urged to dispose of the impacted items (Kellanova)

The FDA said that consumers can contact Consumer Affairs Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM EST, by calling 800-962-0120 or texting 877-453-5837.

Anyone who wants more information on product recalls can go through government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

A Mars spokesperson told FOODbible: "At MORNINGSTAR FARMS, our highest priority is protecting the safety and wellbeing of our consumers.

"Today we are announcing a voluntary recall of two varieties of MORNINGSTAR FARMS products in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Costa Rica because of possible plastic pieces in the food.

"Recalled varieties are MORNINGSTAR FARMS Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and MORNINGSTAR FARMS Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties. No other MORNINGSTAR FARMS brand products are affected by the recall."

Mac and Cheese recall

This isn’t the first time that food has been recalled across the United States this month.

Pre-made mac and cheese pots sold in Aldi were taken off the shelves due to the presence of an undeclared allergen.

It’s believed that some of the pots may have contained soy lecithin, a plant-based food additive and supplement derived from soybeans.

The recall of Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese, sold at Aldi, was issued in an FDA notice (Aldi)

Those who eat the refrigerated pasta dish and have soy allergies or sensitivities may experience side effects such as skin rashes, vomiting, stomach problems, and a tingling sensation in the mouth, as per the FDA’s Class II notice.

Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramping, are also likely, as per the Cleveland Clinic.

If you have purchased a recalled ready meal, dispose of it or return it to your local Aldi for a refund.

FOODbible has previously contacted Aldi for comment.