Frozen Meals Recalled for Wood Contamination

This article was created with the assistance of generative AI. It was reviewed by editors before publication.

Nestlé USA announced a voluntary recall of certain Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s frozen meals for the potential presence of a “wood-like material,” affecting products distributed to major retailers across the U.S. from September 2024 to March 2025.

The recall follows consumer complaints, including one potential choking incident. The company said it is  “actively investigating the source of the wood-like material” and is “confident that this is an isolated issue.”

The recalled frozen meals

The affected products were manufactured between August 2024 and March 2025 and distributed nationwide to major retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, Publix and Wegmans. Consumers are encouraged to check their freezers for the affected batch numbers and best-before dates to ensure they do not inadvertently consume the recalled products. They include:

Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli:

• Batch numbers: 4261595912, 4283595912, 4356595912, 5018595912, 5038595912
• Best before dates: October 2025, November 2025, January 2026, February 2026 and March 2026

Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli:

• Batch numbers: 4311595912, 5002595912, 5037595912, 5064595912
• Best before dates: December 2025, February 2026, March 2026, April 2026

Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry:

• Batch Number: 4214595511
• Best before date: September 2025

Stouffer’s Party Size Chicken Lasagna (96oz):

• Batch numbers: 4262595915, 4351595915, 5051595915, 5052595915
• Best before dates: October 2025, January 2026, March 2026

Advice to consumers

Wood-like material in food products poses a risk of choking or injury to the mouth and throat. Nestlé is urging consumers not to consume the affected products. Instead, return the items to the retailer for a replacement or a full refund. Nestlé USA said it is actively investigating the source of the contamination and assures that this is an isolated issue.

For further assistance, consumers can contact Nestlé USA at (800) 681-1676, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.