Recall alert: Trader Joe’s product pulled over missed safety inspection
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Frozen pizza is a staple in many freezers—easy, satisfying, and perfect for nights when cooking feels like too much.
But one popular option from Trader Joe’s has recently been flagged by federal food safety officials, prompting an alert that might affect some shoppers.
While no illnesses have been reported, there’s an important reason behind the warning that’s worth knowing about.
The product in question looks familiar, but a crucial oversight may have slipped through before it ever reached store shelves.
Here’s what’s going on, how to tell if you’ve got one at home, and what to do next.
The FSIS has issued a public health alert for Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Product of Italy.
The problem isn’t contamination—but rather that the pizzas bypassed FSIS’s mandatory import reinspection process.
This step verifies that imported food products meet US safety standards, including labeling accuracy, storage conditions, and overall quality.
Without this final check, there’s no way to confirm whether the pizzas were properly handled or labeled before being sold.
This alert applies to frozen pizzas sold only in California. If you’ve purchased a pepperoni pizza from Trader Joe’s recently, look for the following details on the packaging:
Images of the affected product’s label can be found below to help consumers confirm whether their purchase is part of the alert.
According to the FSIS, consumers should not eat the product—even if it looks and smells fine.
While no recall has been issued (because the product is no longer being sold), it’s still important to take action. You have two safe options:
For questions, you can contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817.
Import reinspection might sound like a minor technicality, but it’s a vital part of the US food safety system.
After clearing customs, imported food must go through FSIS reinspection to ensure it complies with domestic health and labeling standards.
This process catches any potential issues before products make it to grocery store shelves.
When it’s skipped, even unintentionally, there’s a small but real risk that something could go wrong—especially with perishable foods.
This frozen pizza alert is just the latest in a long line of food safety notices affecting popular brands.
In recent weeks, there have been recalls involving everything from salad greens to shrimp—one of which involved concerns about radiation exposure.
Staying informed is key to avoiding health risks and food waste.
Tips for staying safe include:
At The GrayVine, we know many of our readers are seasoned home cooks who stay on top of what goes into their kitchens.
But even the most diligent shoppers can miss a recall or safety alert—especially with frozen foods you don’t check often.
That’s why we’re committed to keeping you updated with reliable, easy-to-understand information on food safety and grocery recalls.
Read next: A popular snack is under recall—check your pantry before you grab a bite
Have you ever had to throw out a favorite item after a recall? Do you keep a checklist or routine for checking freezer foods? Whether you’ve got a great system or just learned something new, we’d love to hear your tips and stories in the comments.
Being informed helps protect our entire community—and ensures that the only surprise on pizza night is which topping to choose.
But one popular option from Trader Joe’s has recently been flagged by federal food safety officials, prompting an alert that might affect some shoppers.
While no illnesses have been reported, there’s an important reason behind the warning that’s worth knowing about.
The product in question looks familiar, but a crucial oversight may have slipped through before it ever reached store shelves.
Here’s what’s going on, how to tell if you’ve got one at home, and what to do next.
Frozen pizzas are a convenient favorite—but it’s always smart to stay informed about food safety alerts. Image Source: Pexels / Boys in Bristol Photography.
What’s the issue with this pizza?
The FSIS has issued a public health alert for Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Product of Italy.
The problem isn’t contamination—but rather that the pizzas bypassed FSIS’s mandatory import reinspection process.
This step verifies that imported food products meet US safety standards, including labeling accuracy, storage conditions, and overall quality.
Without this final check, there’s no way to confirm whether the pizzas were properly handled or labeled before being sold.
Also read: Are you eating plastic? Urgent recall of a popular Trader Joe’s frozen item!
How to identify the affected pizzas
This alert applies to frozen pizzas sold only in California. If you’ve purchased a pepperoni pizza from Trader Joe’s recently, look for the following details on the packaging:
- Product name: Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Product of Italy
- Lot codes and dates:
- MFG lot 06/16/25 – Best by 08/16/26
- MFG lot 06/21/25 – Best by 08/21/26
- Establishment number: “IT 1558 L UE” inside the Italian mark of inspection on the front of the box
Images of the affected product’s label can be found below to help consumers confirm whether their purchase is part of the alert.
Also read: Is this in your home? 60,000 bottles of Trader Joe’s everyday staple recalled
What to do if you have one in your freezer
According to the FSIS, consumers should not eat the product—even if it looks and smells fine.
While no recall has been issued (because the product is no longer being sold), it’s still important to take action. You have two safe options:
- Throw it away — discard the product in your household trash.
- Return it — bring it back to Trader Joe’s for a full refund.
For questions, you can contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817.
Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Product of Italy, identified in a recent USDA public health alert. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: Recall roster: Are these items in your home? Check now!
Why reinspection matters
Import reinspection might sound like a minor technicality, but it’s a vital part of the US food safety system.
After clearing customs, imported food must go through FSIS reinspection to ensure it complies with domestic health and labeling standards.
This process catches any potential issues before products make it to grocery store shelves.
When it’s skipped, even unintentionally, there’s a small but real risk that something could go wrong—especially with perishable foods.
Label and packaging details of Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza imported from Italy, now under a USDA public health alert for missing import reinspection. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: Nearly 18,000 ice cream tubs recalled—what to know before your next scoop
Food recalls are more common than you think
This frozen pizza alert is just the latest in a long line of food safety notices affecting popular brands.
In recent weeks, there have been recalls involving everything from salad greens to shrimp—one of which involved concerns about radiation exposure.
Staying informed is key to avoiding health risks and food waste.
Tips for staying safe include:
- Sign up for recall alerts through USDA, FDA, or your grocery store.
- Check labels and best-by dates during pantry or freezer cleanouts.
- Take alerts seriously—even if you feel fine, following guidance is always safer.
At The GrayVine, we know many of our readers are seasoned home cooks who stay on top of what goes into their kitchens.
But even the most diligent shoppers can miss a recall or safety alert—especially with frozen foods you don’t check often.
That’s why we’re committed to keeping you updated with reliable, easy-to-understand information on food safety and grocery recalls.
Read next: A popular snack is under recall—check your pantry before you grab a bite
Have you ever had to throw out a favorite item after a recall? Do you keep a checklist or routine for checking freezer foods? Whether you’ve got a great system or just learned something new, we’d love to hear your tips and stories in the comments.
Being informed helps protect our entire community—and ensures that the only surprise on pizza night is which topping to choose.
