Frozen Food Recall: Aldi’s Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Pose Health Hazard

Aldi has initiated a recall of a popular frozen food item after reports of contamination and a related consumer dental injury. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Saturday, January 11, that Bestway Sandwiches Inc.’s frozen chicken and cheese taquitos, sold under the “CASA MAMITA” brand, are being pulled from shelves due to potential contamination with metal fragments.

Details of the Recall

The recall involves approximately 24,870 pounds of the product, produced on July 3, 2024, and September 25, 2024. These taquitos have “Best By” dates of July 3, 2025, and September 25, 2025. Consumers can identify the recalled items by the establishment number “EST. P-40327” printed on the packaging.

According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recall was initiated after a consumer discovered a piece of metal in the product. Another report detailed a dental injury linked to the taquitos.

The taquitos were sold at Aldi stores across 30 states, including Alabama, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin, as well as in Washington, D.C.

Aldi’s Response

In a statement to The Independent, an Aldi representative confirmed that the affected products had been removed from stores immediately upon notification from the supplier. “This recall is due to potential foreign object contamination,” the retailer stated.

Aldi is urging consumers to check their freezers for the recalled products and refrain from consuming them. Customers are advised to return the taquitos to the store for a full refund.

FSIS Warning and Protocol

To ensure safety, the organization recommends disposing of the taquitos or returning them to the store of purchase.

Additionally, FSIS routinely conducts “effectiveness checks” during recalls to confirm that notifying firms have taken appropriate steps to remove the product from circulation and inform customers of the risks.

Recent Food Recalls

This recall follows a series of food safety concerns involving major retailers:

1. Walmart Chicken Broth Recall
   Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of 2,023 cases of Great Value Chicken Broth sold at Walmart stores. The recall was initiated due to packaging failures that could compromise sterility, potentially leading to spoilage.
2. Broccoli Florets Recall
   In December 2024, Braga Fresh recalled 12-ounce packages of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart in 20 states. The recall was prompted by possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause severe illness. The contamination was identified during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services.

What Consumers Should Know

Consumers should remain vigilant about checking for recalled products in their homes. Here are steps to take if you have purchased the affected Aldi taquitos:

• Check the packaging for the establishment number “EST. P-40327” and the “Best By” dates of July 3, 2025, or September 25, 2025.
• If the product matches the recall details, do not consume it.

For additional questions, consumers can contact the FSIS or the retailer for guidance.

Food Safety Precautions

Contaminated food products can pose significant health risks, from minor injuries to serious illnesses. While retailers and regulatory agencies work to minimize risks, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls through trusted sources like the USDA and FDA websites.

The Bigger Picture

Food recalls are not uncommon and serve as a critical measure to protect public health. They also emphasize the importance of stringent quality control measures in food production. As manufacturers and regulators work to improve processes, consumer awareness and prompt action remain key to ensuring safety.

Conclusion

The recall of Aldi’s frozen chicken and cheese taquitos underscores the importance of monitoring food safety. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and avoid consuming any affected products. While recalls may cause inconvenience, they are essential in preventing further harm and ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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