Lean Cuisine Spaghetti and Meatballs Recall Due to Plastic Debris

More than 10,000 pounds of Lean Cuisine spaghetti and meatballs frozen dinners have been recalled after consumers reported finding pieces of hard plastic in their meals. 

The Lean Cuisine spaghetti and meatballs recall was announced on March 14 by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) after the manufacturer, Nestle, began receiving complaints from consumers in Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. There have been no reports of injury due to the plastic contamination, but this could pose a choke hazard or cause internal injuries. 

The recall affects about 10,260 pounds of Lean Cuisine Simple Favorites, Spaghetti with Meatballs. The 9.5-oz packages have an establishment number of 7991 and a case code of 0298595519P. They were packaged on October 25, 2010 and have a “Best Before” date of November 2011 printed on the side of the package, under the ingredient list.

There were at least three major food recalls last year due to similar plastic contamination. About 72,000 pounds of Bumble Bee Lunch on the Run canned chicken salad was recalled in December due to consumer complaints of plastic. In July, a recall of just under 100,000 pounds of Wal-Mart frozen chicken nuggets were recalled due to pieces of plastic found in the nuggets. That recall came just a month after nearly 110,000 pounds of Marketside barbecue chicken pizza was recalled due to the same problem.

Nestle in particular has had plastic problems in previous years with its frozen food products. In 2008 the company issued for Lean Cuisine, Lean Pocket and Hot Pocket frozen meals due to small pieces of hard plastic found in some products. While their initial recall issued on July 14, 2008, after the first consumer complaints, only included about 200,000 pounds of Lean Pocket Spinach Artichoke Chicken Sandwiches, subsequent recalls were issued on August 21, 2008, for 200,000 pounds of Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza Sandwiches and on November 17, 2008, for over 875,000 pounds of Lean Cuisine Chicken Meals.

In most cases, the plastic contamination has been caused by manufacturing problems.

The Lean Cuisine Spaghetti and Meatball recall announcement has provided no instructions on whether the products can be returned for a refund. Consumers with questions should call Nestle at 1-866-606-8264.