Nestle is recalling some of its Hot Pockets, sold at several retail markets including Wal-Mart, after receiving a small quality of meat from Rancho Feeding Corp., a company which recently recalled more than 8.7 million pounds of meat due to improper inspection of animals.
According to Food Safety News, Wal-Mart, the world's largest retail grocer, posted on its website that it would be removing Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box off its store shelves.
No other batches, sizes--including multi-packs--or varieties of Hot Pockets are affected.
"Walmart is committed to providing our customers with safe and affordable food," said Dianna Gee, a Walmart spokesperson in Bentonville, Ark. "If they feel they have purchased products impacted by this, we urge them bring the products or receipts to the store for a full refund."
Rancho Feeding Corporation of Petaluma, CA, recalled meat after health officials reported that it originated from "diseased and unsound" animals that lacked a complete inspection over the past 18 months. Without a full inspection, the products can be harmful for human consumption.
"Thus, the products are adulterated, because they are unsound, unwholesome or otherwise are unfit for human food and must be removed from commerce," according to a statement by the FSIS.
No illnesses have been reported in relation to the Rancho Feeding Corporation recall.
The products included in the recall are:
Hot Pocket Philly Steak & Cheese, 9 oz., UPC4369507107, Batch numbers:
- 3021544512 with a best before date of March 2014
- 3029544512 with a best before date of March 2014
- 3197544512 with a best before date of September 2014
- 3240544512 with a best before date of October 2014
Hot Pocket Croissant Crust Philly Steak & Cheese, 9 oz., UPC 4369505634, Batch numbers:
- 3211544512 with a best before date of September 2014
- 3248544512 with a best before date of November 2014
- 3283544512 with a best before date of December 2014
Hot Pocket Philly Steak & Cheese, 54 oz., UPC 4369507520, Batch numbers:
- 3022544513 with a best before date of March 2014
- 3191544512 with a best before date of September 2014
- 3224544512 with a best before date of October 2014
- 3254544512 with a best before date of November 2014
- 3268544512 with a best before date of November 2014
Nestle is asking customers to not to eat these items. Instead, return them to retail stores. For a complete refund, contact Nestlé Consumer Services at (800) 392-4057.
