Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Recall Issued Due to Risk of Small Metal Pieces

Kraft Foods Group is recalling an estimated 6.5 million boxes of its signature Macaroni & Cheese, due to a risk that there may be small metal fragments in the boxed dinner products, which may cause consumers to choke or suffer internal lacerations.

The Kraft Macaroni & Cheese recall was announced on March 17, following at least eight reports from consumers who found small metal fragments and shards within the macaroni mix.

While no injuries have been linked to the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, this could pose a serious risk for individuals eating the food.

A spokeswoman for Kraft Foods Group indicates that a piece of stainless steel got wedged in a metal piece of equipment during the manufacturing process for the Macaroni & Cheese products. This likely generated friction that resulted in small pieces of metal falling into the product.

When food production lines are used vigorously to mass produce popular selling products, common wear and tear is expected in the machinery. However, manufacturers have a duty to thoroughly inspect for damage or deteriorating parts that may cause a hazard, and should have processes in place to ensure contaminated food products do not enter the market. Kraft has indicated that it apologizes for the problems, but it is unclear what additional steps will be taken to ensure such issues are not repeated.

The recall only includes the popular selling Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Boxed Dinner Original Flavor products with “Best When Used By” date ranges of September 18, 2015 through October 11, 2015 and manufacturing plant code “C2”. The products were sold in 7.25 ounce boxes with UPC code 0 2100 65883 1, 3-pack cases with UPC codes 0 2100 65883 1 or 0 21000 05076 5, 4-pack cases with UPC codes 0 21000 65883 1 or 0 21000 72540 3, and 5-pack cases with UPC codes 0 21000 65883 1 or 0 21000 77436 4. The 5-pack cases with manufacturing plant code “XAR” are also included in the recall.

Kraft announced that the 6.5 million recalled boxes were shipped for sale nationwide throughout the U.S. and also distributed to Puerto Rico and some Caribbean and South American countries. Products were not shipped for sale to Canada.

Kraft Foods Group has encountered this problem before, when the company had to recall more than 137,000 cases of single-serve Velveeta Shells & Cheese in 2011 due to wire bristle fragments entering the products during the manufacturing process.

Customers are being urged to stop eating the recalled Kraft macaroni and cheese dinners immediately and return the recalled boxes to the store where they were purchased for an exchange or full refund. Consumers may also contact Kraft Foods Consumer Relations at 1-800-816-9432 for further questions or concerns.