Nestlé USA issued a voluntary recall on March 17, 2025, for several frozen meals under its Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s brands due to concerns regarding potential contamination from a "wood-like material." The recall includes Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, and Stouffer’s 96-ounce Party Size Chicken Lasagna.
The recall was triggered by reports from consumers who contacted the company about the issue, including one potential choking incident. In a statement, Nestlé USA emphasized their commitment to product safety, stating, "We are actively investigating the source of the wood-like material. We are confident that this is an isolated issue, and we have taken action to address it." The company is collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure consumer safety.
The affected products were manufactured during a period stretching from August 2024 to March 2025 and distributed to major retail stores across the United States between September 2024 and March 2025. Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled meals and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement. To assist customers, Nestlé USA has set up a helpline that operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, which can be reached at (800) 681-1676.
While Nestlé has faced recalls in the past—such as in December 2020 when the company recalled its Lean Cuisine Baked Chicken meals due to potential plastic contamination—this recent incident highlights ongoing issues with food safety in the frozen meal sector. According to the FDA, the number of food recalls has risen sharply in recent years due to contamination events, incorrect labeling, and unexplained foreign substances.
This uptick in recalls is part of a broader trend affecting a variety of products in the food industry, reflecting heightened scrutiny over food safety protocols and consumer health. In its findings, the FDA noted an increase in recalls involving allergens that pose serious risks to individuals with food sensitivities, underscoring the importance of vigilance in food production.
The recalled items specifically cited in Nestlé’s announcement can be identified by batch codes printed on the side of their packaging. For the Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli, the affected batch numbers include 4261595912 (best by October 2025), 4283595912 (best by November 2025), 4356595912 (best by January 2026), 5018595912 (best by February 2026), and 5038595912 (best by March 2026). Similar codes apply to the other recalled items, including Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli and Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry.
Nestlé's announcement reflected a proactive approach to handling product safety concerns. The company stated, "The quality, safety, and integrity of our products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers." Their ongoing investigation into the incident aims to enhance safety measures moving forward.
As consumers navigate this recall, it serves as a reminder of the importance of checking batch numbers, raising awareness about contamination risks, and calling for greater accountability in food production practices. This incident encapsulates the ongoing challenges faced by food manufacturers in ensuring their products meet safety standards while addressing consumer concerns swiftly.
The recall impacts a limited number of meals and, according to Nestlé, does not extend to other products within its Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s brands, ensuring that most consumers can still find safe meals on store shelves. Nevertheless, the company’s willingness to acknowledge the issue and offer refunds demonstrates a commitment to maintaining customer trust and safety.
