The United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of more than 160,000 pounds of frozen pizza snacks over concerns that the products may contain metal fragments.
The recall affects Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers, a popular frozen snack product manufactured by Rich Products Corporation. According to the FDA, approximately 160,200 pounds of the product have been recalled after concerns were raised about possible foreign material contamination.
The recall was initially issued on May 19 and was later classified by the FDA as a Class II recall on June 9. A Class II recall indicates that the use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, although the likelihood of serious health issues is considered remote.
Consumers have been advised to check their freezers for the affected products. The recalled items can be identified by lot number 003029976, UPC code 041322652256 and a best-by date of July 30, 2027.
The affected products were distributed across 21 U.S. states, including California, Florida, New York, Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The FDA has not disclosed how many packages were sold before the recall was issued.
Customers who purchased the recalled snacks are being urged not to consume them. Instead, they should either dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund, according to the FDA's guidance.
Food recalls involving foreign material contamination are not uncommon in the United States. Metal fragments can pose a choking hazard and may cause injuries to the mouth, throat or digestive tract if consumed.
Farm Rich is known for a range of frozen snack foods sold in supermarkets across the country, including mozzarella sticks, pizza bites and other ready-to-cook products.
The FDA continues to monitor the recall and has advised consumers to remain alert for updates regarding the affected products.