Pizza night might look a little different for some Trader Joe’s fans! The USDA has issued a public health alert for certain frozen pepperoni pizzas that skipped a crucial import check. Is your freezer harboring one of these uninspected pies? Find out if your favorite snack is on the alert list!
A significant public health alert has been issued by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) concerning a specific Trader Joe’s frozen pizza. This consumer warning stems from a critical lapse where the imported pepperoni pizza did not undergo the mandated import reinspection process, raising immediate food safety concerns for households.
The product at the heart of this alert is the “TRADER JOE’S UNCURED PEPPERONI PIZZA PRODUCT OF ITALY.” Consumers should look for 17.63-oz cardboard box packages marked with “MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26” or “MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY: 08/21/26” on the bottom of the packaging.
Further identifying the product, it bears the Italian establishment number “IT 1558 L UE” printed inside the Italian mark of inspection, prominently displayed on the front of the package. This detail is crucial for consumers to verify if their frozen pepperoni pizza is among the affected items.
The problem came to light when Trader Joe’s Company notified FSIS that this particular frozen pepperoni pizza product was not presented for the essential FSIS import reinspection. This oversight bypasses a vital step in ensuring the safety and compliance of imported food products, triggering the USDA Alert.
While an official food recall was not initiated because the product is no longer actively available for purchase in stores, FSIS remains highly concerned that many consumers may still possess the product within their home freezers. This highlights the ongoing need for public vigilance.
Consequently, anyone who has purchased and still possesses this specific Trader Joe’s pizza is strongly advised against consuming it. The integrity and safety of the product cannot be guaranteed due to the uninspected status, making disposal the safest course of action.
For consumers and media representatives seeking additional information or clarification regarding this public health alert, Trader Joe’s Customer Relations is available at 626-599-3817. This direct line serves as a crucial resource for addressing questions about the frozen pepperoni product and related food safety measures.
This incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous import reinspection protocols and robust supply chain oversight in the global food industry. Such alerts, even when a formal food recall is absent, serve as vital mechanisms to protect public health and maintain consumer trust in the food safety of products available on the market.
Ensuring that all imported food products meet stringent domestic safety standards is paramount, and consumers play a key role in remaining informed about potential hazards, like this USDA Alert for Trader Joe’s pizza, to safeguard their health and well-being.