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More than 750,000 pounds of pepperoni Hot Pockets sold nationwide have been recalled because they may contain pieces of glass and hard plastic, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The problem was discovered after four consumers alerted its manufacturer, Nestlé Prepared Foods, to the foreign matter in their product.
The recalled foods were produced and packaged between Nov. 13 and Nov. 16, 2020, and sold in 12-count packs as “Hot Pockets brand sandwiches: premium pepperoni made with pork, chicken and beef pizza garlic buttery crust.” The products have a “best before” date of February 2022, with lot codes 0318544624, 0319544614, 0320544614 and 0321544614, and establishment number “EST. 7721A” printed on the side of the packaging.
Courtesy Nestlé
There was one report of a “minor oral injury” associated with consumption of the product. However, the USDA still considers this a Class I recall, the highest level, because the product poses a high health risk, including adverse health consequences or death. Consuming the plastic or glass pieces could pose a choking or laceration hazard.
Check your freezer for pepperoni Hot Pockets
Because these items may still be in freezers, consumers are urged to check for any Hot Pocket products they may have purchased and to throw away the potentially affected pepperoni variety, which was sold in the 12-count cartons. The recalled product also could be returned to the place of purchase.
No other production dates or batch codes of Hot Pockets or other products are impacted by this recall. Nestlé highlighted that its brand sandwiches sold as “garlic buttery crust pepperoni pizza” packed in other quantities are not impacted by the recall. Additionally, its “crispy crust pepperoni pizza” variety, including 12-count packages, are not impacted by the recall.
Courtesy Nestlé
"The quality, safety and integrity of Nestlé USA and Hot Pockets products remain our number one priority,” the company said in a statement. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers."
Last month, Lean Cuisine, a Nestlé brand, issued a recall after receiving complaints about hard plastic found in several servings of its baked chicken entrée.
Consumers with questions about the Hot Pockets recall can contact Nestlé consumer services toll-free at 800-350-5016 or can send a message here.