On January 15th, 2021, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS), along with Nestlé, announced a massive recall on pepperoni Hot Pockets. 762,615 pounds of pepperoni-flavored product could contain glass and hard plastic pieces, according to the press release by the USDA.
There have also been several reports of “extraneous material” in several specific batches of Garlic Buttery Crust Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets Value Packs. Nestlé has extended the recall to include these products as well.
Nestlé said in a press release, “Impacted products could pose a choking or laceration risk and should be not be consumed.”
FSIS goes on to explain, “This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”
The recalled products, which were shipped to and sold in stores nationwide, will be stamped with a best-before date of February 2022 and one of these batch codes: 0318544624, 0319544614, 0320544614, or 0321544614. The packaging will also have “EST. 7721A” inside the USDA mark of inspection, which is located in the lower right of the front of the package.
If you have either of these products in your freezer, you can either throw them out or return them to the place of purchase. Some stores may offer a refund or a replacement.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Nestlé consumer services at (800) 350-5016.
If you have more food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov.