Pasta Recalled in 37 States as Wood-Like Material Found Inside Products - Newsweek

Apr 03, 2025

Jordan King is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her current focus is on religion, health, food safety and population. She has covered the persecution of religions in the global south, fertility and birth rate issues around the world, multiple disease outbreaks in the U.S. and ongoing vaccination discourse. Jordan joined Newsweek in 2024 from The Evening Standard and had previously worked at Metro.co.uk, she has background in international human-interest stories and is a graduate of Kingston University, in London. You can get in touch with Jordan by emailing [email protected]. Languages: English.

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

A voluntary recall has been issued by Nestlé USA for more than 50,000 cases of Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli, after reports from consumers indicated the presence of a wood-like foreign material inside the frozen meals.

The recall affects Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli products sold in 37 states, with a total of 50,611 cases pulled from distribution. The affected ravioli were packaged in 9 7/8-ounce plastic trays sealed with film and enclosed in a paperboard carton. The product bears the number 12049225 and UPC 013800144065. Recalled batches include codes 4261595912 through 5038595912, with best-by dates ranging from October 2025 to March 2026.

Newsweek has contacted Nestlé, via email, for comment.

While no widespread health issues have been reported, Nestlé confirmed that one consumer experienced a potential choking incident, prompting the recall. The presence of any foreign object in food products presents a risk to consumer safety, particularly when the material could cause physical harm if ingested.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II, indicating a remote chance of serious health consequences. Nestlé emphasized that the issue is isolated and under investigation, and the company is cooperating fully with both the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The affected products were distributed between September 2024 and March 2025. In addition to the Butternut Squash Ravioli, the recall extends to select batches of Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, and STOUFFER'S Party Size Chicken Lasagna. These items were sold at major retailers across the country, from California and Texas to New York and Florida.

Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled items. Instead, they should return them to the retailer where purchased for a refund or replacement. Additional assistance is available through Nestlé USA's consumer line at (800) 681-1676, available weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.

Nestlé said in its recall: "We are actively investigating the source of the wood-like material. We are confident that this is an isolated issue, and we have taken action to address it."

"The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers."

When Newsweek contacted Nestlé for comment, it was directed to an existing press release which said that the recall is "isolated to a limited quantity of batches."

"We are taking this action after consumers contacted Nestlé USA about this issue, including one potential choking incident to date," a Nestlé spokesperson added.

Nestlé is continuing to investigate how the wood-like material entered the production line and has stated it is confident the contamination was contained. The recall, initiated on March 17, 2025, remains ongoing. The company has pledged transparency and accountability as it works with federal authorities to complete the process. No termination date for the recall has been announced.

Update 4/2/25, 6:05 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Nestlé.