Listen up, frozen food fans: There’s an important recall you need to know about—and it involves possible rodent hair contamination. Here's what you need to know.
What, exactly, is being recalled?
On March 16, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an updated recall notice for Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Inc., of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, and its Aldi-branded Simply Nature Spinach Bites. The initial recall, the notice explained, kicked off on January 16; however, the FDA did not give it a classification until this week.
The frozen bites were sold in 12-ounce boxes with an inner plastic bag. The recalled products have lot number G25CF-02B, product number AL-SP, and UPC 4099100247992 printed on the box.
Why are the spinach bites being recalled?
According to the FDA notice, the product is being recalled as it may be contaminated with rodent hair. And that's all the information you really need.
Where were the spinach bites distributed?
The recalled bites were sold exclusively at Aldi stores. More specifically, they were only distributed to Aldi locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania. According to the notice, 7,894 units in total are being recalled.
Why did the FDA classify this recall as Class II?
The FDA categorizes its recalls into three levels, with Class III being the least severe and Class I being the most severe. This recall falls right in the middle at a Class II. As the FDA defines, a Class II recall is "a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."
Though interestingly, there are some foods that the FDA allows to have trace amounts of rodent hair in them. As the FDA's Compliance Policy Guide notes, peanut butter cannot contain more than "an average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams," meaning that 1 hair per 101 grams is OK. (It also allows for anything under an "average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams," but that's a story for a different day.)
What should I do if I have these in my freezer?
The FDA did not put any specific guidance in this case, but standard recall guidance applies: Do not eat the product. Instead, you can return it to your place of purchase for a refund.
