Spaghetti and meatballs is a timeless dish that even the pickiest of children loves to eat. It isn't necessarily the easiest (or cleanest) meal, of course, but god is it delicious. Still, parents across the United States should take note of a recent recall which could include one of their kid's favorite brands, Chef Boyardee. Figuring out how to tell if your Chef Boyardee products were recalled, so you and your finicky eater can dine without worrying about getting sick, is key.
Chef Boyardee's parent company, Conagra foods, issued a recall on Friday for over 700,000 pounds of spaghetti and meatball products sold across the nation under different labels and brands. The spaghetti and meatball products were recalled due to misbranding and undeclared allergens — as the products contain milk, which is not included on the product label.
For those who are allergic to dairy products, but like their spaghetti, this could be hazardous, which is why the United States Department of Agriculture has issued a Class I recall. This means "there is reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences." Romper has reached out to Conagra for comment on the recall and is awaiting a response.
Luckily, there is an easy way to be able to tell if your kid's favorite spaghetti and meatballs product was recalled. Only one Chef Boyardee product was included in the recall, its Mini pasta shells & meatballs - Pasta and Meatballs made with Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce. The 14.75 ounce cans that were a part of the recall, according to the USDA, should have the package code 2100700500 and a use by date of 12/26/18 on the label. The product should also have "EST. 794M" inside of the USDA mark of inspection.
A full list of spaghetti and meatball products by other brands, like Hy-Top and Libby's, which were also part of the recall, can be read here.
If you do own any of these recalled products or have Chef Boyardee Mini pasta shells & meatballs lying around in your pantry, don't eat them. The products should instead be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase, according to the USDA.
As mentioned, this recall stems from a mislabeling after Conagra was notified by an ingredient supplier that the breadcrumbs used in the products potentially contained milk, according to CBS Detroit. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions to consuming the products. Those who have questions about the recall can call Conagra Customer Service at (866) 213-1245.
Before you or your child reach for that can of Chef Boyardee, take a second to make sure it is not a part of the recall, and enjoy the deliciousness that the brand has to offer if you find you're in the clear.
