USDA issues health alert for Trader Joe’s frozen pizza
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The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert on August 29 regarding a frozen pepperoni pizza sold by Trader Joe’s. The alert applies to the Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, Product of Italy, packaged in 17.63-ounce boxes. According to FSIS, the product was imported without completing the required reinspection process. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers who may still have the product in their freezers are advised not to eat it.
Understanding the USDA’s public health alert process
A public health alert is distinct from a recall. Recalls are mandatory when products are currently on the market and present a safety risk, while public health alerts serve as warnings for items no longer in distribution but that may still be in consumer homes. FSIS uses this mechanism to address potential risks without triggering a full recall.
In this case, the affected pizzas are no longer on Trader Joe’s shelves, but the agency warned that customers may have purchased and stored them. Public health alerts are designed to fill that gap, ensuring food safety risks are communicated even after the product leaves the retail environment.
The Trader Joe’s frozen pizza case in detail
The pizzas in question were produced in two lots: one with a manufacturing date of June 16, 2025, and a best-by date of August 16, 2026, and another with a manufacturing date of June 21, 2025, and a best-by date of August 21, 2026. Packages are marked with establishment number IT 1558 L UE.
These products were sold in California locations, and Trader Joe’s informed FSIS of the oversight. To date, no consumer illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported. Because the pizzas are no longer in retail stock, FSIS did not request a recall. Consumers are instructed to discard the product or return it to the retailer for a refund.
For questions, Trader Joe’s provides a customer relations line at 626-599-3817. Consumers may also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or MPHotline@usda.gov.
For consumers, the repeated alerts highlight the importance of checking lot codes and best-by dates when national agencies issue food safety notifications. Even in the absence of reported illnesses, the risk of contamination or mislabeling is enough for regulators to intervene.