FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for a Frozen Pepperoni Pizza Product Imported Without the Benefit of Import Reinspection
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 08/29/2025 09:30 PM EDT
Congressional and Public Affairs
Meredith Carothers
FSISpress@usda.gov
FSIS ISSUES PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT FOR A FROZEN PEPPERONI PIZZA PRODUCT IMPORTED WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF IMPORT REINSPECTION
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a frozen not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) uncured pepperoni pizza product imported from Italy that did not receive the benefit of import reinspection. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.
The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:
17.63-oz. cardboard box packages containing “TRADER JOE’S UNCURED PEPPERONI PIZZA PRODUCT OF ITALY” with “MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26” or “MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26” printed on the bottom of the package.
The product bears the Italy establishment number “IT 1558 L UE” printed inside the Italian mark of inspection located on the front of the package. This item was shipped to retail locations in California.
The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by Trader Joe’s Company that the frozen NRTE uncured pepperoni pizza product was not presented for FSIS import reinspection.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness or reaction should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it. This product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Consumers and members of the media with questions about the public health alert can contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
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