Frozen pasta alert issued in four states—check your freezer before dinner
- Replies 0
If you rely on frozen pasta for quick and easy dinners, you might want to give your freezer a second look.
A recent alert from federal officials is raising eyebrows—and it’s not about a shortage or a price hike.
Instead, it involves a surprising mix-up in one popular product that could carry hidden risks for some households.
While only a limited number of packages are affected, the issue has sparked concern in several Midwestern states.
Here’s what’s going on—and how to tell if your next pasta night could be impacted.
What’s wrong with this frozen tortellini?
According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the issue stems from a packaging mix-up.
Some 16-ounce bags labeled as Schnucks Tortellini with pork and beef may actually contain toasted ravioli instead.
That might not sound like a big deal—until you consider that the ravioli includes soy and sesame, which are not listed on the label.
Both soy and sesame are among the nine major food allergens in the US.
Consuming even a small amount can lead to allergic reactions ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis, especially for those with known sensitivities.
That’s why this labeling error is considered a serious public health concern.
Also read: Popular coffee brand issues recall over unexpected contamination risk
Which product is affected?
The warning applies to a very specific product:
Only 312 packages are believed to be affected, according to the manufacturer, P.E. & F Inc., which does business as DiMare’s Specialty Foods.
While that’s a relatively small batch, some bags could still be in consumers’ freezers.
Also read: A surprising recall is affecting a calming favorite
Why wasn’t this recalled?
In most cases involving undeclared allergens, a full product recall is issued.
But in this case, the USDA says a recall wasn’t necessary because the product is no longer available in stores.
However, since it’s a frozen item with a long shelf life, consumers may still have it at home—which is why the agency is urging people to double-check.
Also read: FDA issues chocolate recall for salmonella risk: What to know and what to check
Which states are involved?
The potentially mislabeled tortellini was distributed in:
If you live in any of these states and purchased frozen pasta from Schnucks, it’s a good idea to check your labels carefully—even if you don’t have allergies.
Also read: Check your fridge: New sausage recall issued across three states
What should you do if you find it?
If you have the affected tortellini in your freezer:
Also read: This supplement recall just got more serious—here’s what changed
What this means for food safety at home
This warning serves as a reminder that even familiar products can carry risks.
Food safety issues—including allergen mislabeling, contamination, and foreign objects—can happen more often than many realize.
For those with food allergies, vigilance is essential.
The nine major allergens identified by the FDA are:
If you or a loved one has a food allergy, consider signing up for food recall alerts via email or text through agencies like FSIS and FDA.
Freezers can get crowded—especially when we stock up for convenience.
But it never hurts to take a moment to check the labels and stay informed. A quick glance could prevent a health scare.
Read next: Food safety alert: Packaging error in popular snack triggers precautionary recall
Have you ever caught a mislabeled food product at home? What steps do you take to stay on top of food safety alerts? Share your stories in the comments—we’re all looking out for one another!
A recent alert from federal officials is raising eyebrows—and it’s not about a shortage or a price hike.
Instead, it involves a surprising mix-up in one popular product that could carry hidden risks for some households.
While only a limited number of packages are affected, the issue has sparked concern in several Midwestern states.
Here’s what’s going on—and how to tell if your next pasta night could be impacted.
Check your freezer: A new public health alert has been issued for a frozen pasta product. Image Source: YouTube / @HoonsKitchen.
What’s wrong with this frozen tortellini?
According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the issue stems from a packaging mix-up.
Some 16-ounce bags labeled as Schnucks Tortellini with pork and beef may actually contain toasted ravioli instead.
That might not sound like a big deal—until you consider that the ravioli includes soy and sesame, which are not listed on the label.
Both soy and sesame are among the nine major food allergens in the US.
Consuming even a small amount can lead to allergic reactions ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis, especially for those with known sensitivities.
That’s why this labeling error is considered a serious public health concern.
Also read: Popular coffee brand issues recall over unexpected contamination risk
Which product is affected?
The warning applies to a very specific product:
- Schnucks Tortellini with Pork & Beef
- 16-ounce bag
- Produced on May 27, 2025
- Best by May 27, 2026
- Establishment number: EST. 13051 (printed inside the USDA inspection mark)
Only 312 packages are believed to be affected, according to the manufacturer, P.E. & F Inc., which does business as DiMare’s Specialty Foods.
While that’s a relatively small batch, some bags could still be in consumers’ freezers.
Also read: A surprising recall is affecting a calming favorite
Why wasn’t this recalled?
In most cases involving undeclared allergens, a full product recall is issued.
But in this case, the USDA says a recall wasn’t necessary because the product is no longer available in stores.
However, since it’s a frozen item with a long shelf life, consumers may still have it at home—which is why the agency is urging people to double-check.
This 16-ounce package of Schnucks Tortellini PORK & BEEF is part of a recent health alert due to potential allergen mislabeling. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: FDA issues chocolate recall for salmonella risk: What to know and what to check
Which states are involved?
The potentially mislabeled tortellini was distributed in:
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Missouri
If you live in any of these states and purchased frozen pasta from Schnucks, it’s a good idea to check your labels carefully—even if you don’t have allergies.
Check your freezer: This frozen pasta may contain toasted ravioli with undeclared soy and sesame, triggering a USDA health alert. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: Check your fridge: New sausage recall issued across three states
What should you do if you find it?
If you have the affected tortellini in your freezer:
- Do not eat it, even if no one in your household has allergies.
- Dispose of it safely or return it to the store where you bought it.
- If you have questions, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 1-888-MPHotline or via email at [email protected].
Schnucks Tortellini Pork & Beef—affected packages like this one may contain undeclared allergens and are part of a USDA public health alert. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: This supplement recall just got more serious—here’s what changed
What this means for food safety at home
This warning serves as a reminder that even familiar products can carry risks.
Food safety issues—including allergen mislabeling, contamination, and foreign objects—can happen more often than many realize.
For those with food allergies, vigilance is essential.
The nine major allergens identified by the FDA are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame
If you or a loved one has a food allergy, consider signing up for food recall alerts via email or text through agencies like FSIS and FDA.
Freezers can get crowded—especially when we stock up for convenience.
But it never hurts to take a moment to check the labels and stay informed. A quick glance could prevent a health scare.
Read next: Food safety alert: Packaging error in popular snack triggers precautionary recall
Have you ever caught a mislabeled food product at home? What steps do you take to stay on top of food safety alerts? Share your stories in the comments—we’re all looking out for one another!
