Bringing a batch of macaroni and cheese to your next neighborhood block party? Just make sure to check this important recall before you do.
On June 10, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave an updated classification to a recall of BEF Foods, Inc's Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese that is especially important to those with allergies. Here's what you need to know.
What is being recalled?
According to the FDA's enforcement report, BEF Foods, Inc. initially announced a voluntary recall of its Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese on March 23, 2026. However, on June 10, the FDA updated the classification on the recall notice to a Class II.
Per the notice, the recall includes 58,405 cases (which equals 525,645 individual packages) of the product, which were distributed to Aldi stores across the U.S. The refrigerated pasta dish is sold in 20-ounce plastic tubs.
The recall includes the following codes, which are printed on the outer sleeve of the packaging: SUL4839705; SUL4839706; SUL4853771; SUL4853772; SUL4854698; SUL4854700; SUL4854701; SUL4855698; SUL4855699; SUL4855700; SUL4857735; SUL4857736; SUL4857737; SUL4857784; SUL4857785; SUL4866750; SUL4866751; SUL4866752; SUL4866781; SUL4866782; SUL4866783; SUL4866784; SUL4872813; SUL4872814; SUL4872815; SUL4873787; SUL4873788; SUL4886739; SUL4886740; SUL4887698; or SUL4887699.
Why is this macaroni and cheese being recalled?
The macaroni and cheese is being recalled as it may contain an undeclared allergen, specifically soy lecithin.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, soy lecithin is derived from "highly processed soy oil and has very little, if any, soy protein." And because it has very little of the actual soy protein in it, "Most allergists do not recommend that patients with soy allergy avoid soy lecithin." It added that other sources, including Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), "indicate that food products containing soy lecithin can be consumed safely by nearly all patients with soy allergy. A literature search found few case reports of allergic reactions that have been attributed to soy lecithin."
Though the risk may be small, it is still there, which is why the FDA triggered this recall. The University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources further explains, "There is, of course, the possibility that some of the more sensitive soybean-allergic consumers might react to ingestion of soybean lecithin, so of course we do advocate the source labeling of lecithin when it is used as a direct food ingredient."
What does the Class II designation mean?
The FDA labels recalls based on their perceived danger to the public in a three-tiered system, with a Class III recall being the least severe, and a Class I being the most severe. A Class II recall, like this one, sits somewhere in the middle, defined as "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."
What should I do if I have this in my fridge?
If you have this recalled product in your fridge, the FDA advises that you do not consume it, especially if you have a soy allergy. Instead, it's best to discard it or return to your local Aldi for a refund.
