More than 25,000 cases of pizza and focaccia bread products sold at major retailers, including Trader Joe’s, and distributed through HelloFresh meal kits have been recalled, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The recall, initiated by food manufacturer Bakkavor, stems from a potential contamination issue involving small metal fragments found in slow-roasted tomatoes used across multiple products.
What prompted the recall
The issue was traced to an ingredient supplied to Bakkavor, where metal fragments were identified in roasted tomatoes used in several prepared foods.
Federal regulators classified the recall as Class II, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, though the risk of serious harm is considered low.
Products and lot details
The recall includes both prepared pizza kits and packaged focaccia bread products distributed under multiple brands.
Affected items include:
- HelloFresh Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza (13.9 oz packages), with several lot numbers and use-by dates ranging from late June through early September 2026
- Roasted Tomato & Parmesan focaccia breads sold under Trader Joe’s, Meijer (Frederik’s), Harris Teeter, and Fresh & Simple brands, with use-by dates spanning late April through mid-October 2026
According to FDA enforcement data, the recall covers approximately:
- 2,337 cases of pizza products
- 23,459 cases of focaccia bread products
Each case may contain multiple individual units.
Where the products were distributed
The recalled products were shipped to stores and customers in:
Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia.
Some items were also delivered directly to consumers through meal kit orders.
What consumers should do
No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recall.
Still, the FDA advises consumers not to eat the affected products. Items should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
Why the recall is across multiple grocery chains store brands
Because the contamination originated in a shared ingredient, the recall spans multiple brands and product lines.
Food safety issues tied to a single supplier can affect a wide range of products, particularly when ingredients are used across private-label and prepared foods.
While recalls involving foreign materials such as metal fragments are less common than those involving bacteria, they can still pose a risk depending on the size and nature of the contamination.
