Everyone loves an easy lunch or a simple dinner, especially when it's just too damn hot to cook "for real." But before you go reaching for that can of spaghetti and meatballs you might have in your pantry, you might want to double check your labels after a massive recall of more than 700,000 pounds of the meal in a can. Which cans of spaghetti and meatballs have been recalled? The recall, issued by Conagra Brands, Inc., affects a number of popular brands — including Chef Boyardee — sold in grocery stores around the country.
Update: A spokesperson for Conagra Brands, Inc., provided the following statement to Romper:
Conagra Brands is voluntarily recalling Chef Boyardee Mini Pasta Shells and Mini Meatballs, Libby’s Spaghetti and Meatballs, and private label spaghetti and meatballs due to the potential presence of an undeclared allergen (milk) in the product. One of our ingredient suppliers notified us of the allergen and we acted as quickly as possible. The safety of our food is a top priority and we apologize for any inconvenience. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or injuries due to consumption of this product to date.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the Class I recall of canned spaghetti and meatball products produced on Jan. 5 and Jan. 12, 2017. Specifically, these products contain milk, but the known allergen was not declared on the label. So while the recall isn't due to bacterial contagions such as listeria or E. coli, the consequences of consuming milk can still be just as deadly for those with milk and dairy allergies — thus necessitating the USDA's highest recall classification. According to the company, the mislabeling issue was discovered on June 6, but there have been no reports of adverse reactions due to the undeclared milk. Conagra Brands, Inc. did not immediately return Romper's request for comment.
The following six Conagra Brands products have been recalled:
- 14.75-oz. cans with “Libby’s Spaghetti and Meatballs MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date Jan. 2, 2019.
- 14.75-oz. cans with “Del Pino’s SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date Jan. 2, 2019.
- 14.75-oz. cans with “Hy-Top Spaghetti and Meatballs Made with Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date Jan. 2, 2019.
- 14.75-oz. cans with “Food Hold Spaghetti & Meatballs MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date Jan. 2, 2019.
- 14.75-oz. cans with “Essential EVERYDAY Spaghetti with Meatballs Made With Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date Jan. 2, 2019.
- 14.75-oz. cans with “Chef BOYARDEE Mini pasta shells & meatballs, Pasta and Meatballs made with Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce” on the label with package code 2100700500 and Use By Date Dec. 26, 2018.
Consumers are advised to discard the recalled products or return them to the stores where they were bought. Chef Boyardee has directed consumers to its Facebook post about the recall, urging concerned folks to private message the company via Facebook or call 866-213-1245.
