Urgent Food Safety Alert: 5 Critical Facts About The Mac And Cheese Bites Recall (Listeria & Metal Threats)

A double safety threat has recently hit the frozen food aisle, prompting two separate, high-profile recalls for popular Mac and Cheese Bites products. This is not a single issue, but rather two distinct and serious contamination risks—one involving the dangerous foodborne pathogen *Listeria monocytogenes*, and the other involving the potential presence of foreign objects, specifically small metal fragments. As of December 2025, consumers are strongly advised to check their freezers immediately for the affected products to prevent serious health risks, which range from severe food poisoning symptoms to potential physical injury. The recalls, issued by different manufacturers and for different reasons, underscore the critical importance of paying attention to food safety alerts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The affected products, including Breaded Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Bites and a separate "Three Cheese" variety, were distributed to retailers nationwide, making this a widespread and urgent consumer safety matter.

The Dual Threat: Two Separate Mac and Cheese Bites Recalls Explained

It is crucial for consumers to understand that the term "mac and cheese bites recall" currently refers to two separate, significant events, each with its own specific product, contamination risk, and recall classification. The common denominator is the popular frozen snack category, but the health hazards are distinct and equally serious.

Recall #1: The Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination Risk

This voluntary recall was initiated by Louisa Food Products, Inc., a company based in St. Louis, Missouri, and focuses on a bacterial contamination hazard.

• Company Initiating Recall: Louisa Food Products, Inc.
• Product Affected: Breaded Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Bites
• Reason for Recall: Potential contamination with *Listeria monocytogenes*.
• Recall Date: Voluntary recall initiated on July 17, 2025.
• Contamination Source: The pathogen risk originated from a supplier-recalled ingredient used in the finished mac and cheese bites product.
• Affected Quantity: The recall involves 819 cases, amounting to nearly 25,000 pounds of the frozen product.
• Distribution: The product was distributed to retail locations, including those in Delaware.

The presence of *Listeria monocytogenes* is a serious health hazard, often leading to hospitalization and sometimes death, particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

Recall #2: The Foreign Object (Metal) Contamination Risk

A separate recall, classified as a Class II recall by the FDA, involves a different product and a different type of physical contamination. This recall was issued due to the possibility of foreign material being present in the frozen snack.

• Product Affected: Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites (NET WT 8 oz, packaged in a yellow carton, Frozen).
• Reason for Recall: Potential contamination by a foreign object, specifically small pieces of metal.
• FDA Classification: Class II, meaning the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
• Key Identification Codes:
  • UPC: 8-99039-00280-8
  • Lot Codes: 24354AV1 or 24355AV1
  • Best By Dates: 6/19/26 or 6/20/26
• Affected Quantity: This recall affects 4,246 cases, which translates to over 38,000 individual boxes of the frozen snack.

Ingesting foreign objects like metal fragments can cause significant injury, including dental damage and lacerations to the mouth or digestive tract.

Understanding the Dangers: Listeriosis and Foreign Object Injury

The two recalls highlight the diverse risks present in the food supply chain, from microbial threats to physical contamination. Recognizing the symptoms associated with each is vital for consumer safety.

The Threat of Listeriosis (*Listeria Monocytogenes*)

*Listeria monocytogenes* is a bacterium that causes the illness listeriosis. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, *Listeria* can grow even in refrigerated conditions.

Common Listeriosis Symptoms:

Symptoms of a mild, non-invasive listeriosis infection often resemble the flu and can include:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Upset stomach

Severe Listeriosis Symptoms:

If the infection is more severe and spreads to the nervous system, more serious symptoms may occur:

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

Symptoms can begin anywhere from a few days to two weeks after consuming the contaminated food, but in some cases, they can appear up to 70 days later.

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The Risk of Foreign Object Contamination

The recall of the Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites due to potential metal fragments poses a different, immediate risk of physical injury. This is classified as a Class II recall, indicating a potential for temporary or reversible adverse health consequences.

Potential Injuries from Metal Fragments:

• Dental damage, such as chipped or broken teeth.
• Lacerations or cuts to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
• Other internal injuries upon ingestion.

While the product is classified as Class II, any physical injury from a foreign object should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be sought immediately if a consumer suspects they have ingested metal fragments and are experiencing pain or discomfort.

Immediate Steps: What Consumers Must Do Right Now

The most critical step for any consumer who has purchased Mac and Cheese Bites recently is to immediately check the packaging against the recall information. Do not rely on the product name alone, as only specific lot codes and best-by dates are affected.

1. Check Your Freezer for Affected Products

For Breaded Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Bites (Louisa Food Products):

• Look for the specific lot code mentioned in the official recall notice (check the manufacturer's or FDA website for the full code).
• If you have this product, assume it is contaminated with *Listeria* and proceed to disposal.

For Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites (Foreign Object Risk):

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• Check the UPC: 8-99039-00280-8.
• Check the Lot Codes: 24354AV1 or 24355AV1.
• Check the Best By Dates: 6/19/26 or 6/20/26.

2. Do Not Consume the Recalled Product

If your product matches the recall details, do not eat it or feed it to pets. The usual advice in these situations is to discard the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

3. Clean and Sanitize Your Storage Areas

Because *Listeria* can spread easily, any surfaces that the recalled Breaded Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Bites may have touched—including freezer shelves, countertops, and cutting boards—must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Use hot, soapy water, and then follow up with a mild bleach solution to eliminate any potential bacterial residue.

4. Seek Medical Attention If Symptoms Appear

If you or someone in your household has consumed the recalled product and begins to show symptoms of listeriosis (fever, muscle aches, headache, diarrhea) or experiences physical discomfort after eating the metal-contaminated product, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Be sure to inform them that you may have consumed a recalled food item.

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5. Contact the Manufacturer

For more detailed information on the refund process or specific product details, consumers should contact the respective manufacturers directly. This is the official channel for reporting adverse events and securing reimbursement for the recalled frozen snacks.