Aldi shoppers in parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania are being told to check their freezers, as the chain pulls certain Simply Nature frozen spinach bites over concerns about possible rodent-hair contamination. The voluntary recall, which traces back to a Jan. 16 action, affects specific 12-ounce boxes. About 7,894 units are covered, and customers are being urged not to eat the product and to bring it back for a refund.
What Was Recalled and Who Pulled It
According to Fox Business, the Food and Drug Administration lists the move as a Class II recall and says Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Inc. voluntarily initiated the pull. The affected item is sold in 12-ounce Simply Nature boxes with lot number G25CF-02B and UPC 4099100247992. Fox Business reports that approximately 7,894 units are impacted.
Which Lots and Where to Check
As reported by KTVU, the recall is limited to certain lots that were distributed in Maryland and Pennsylvania. KTVU reports that consumers who have the affected boxes should not eat them and may return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.
FDA Guidance and Why Rodent Hair Matters
The FDA's Food Defect Levels Handbook sets defect action levels for many foods and notes that some items, such as spices and chocolate, may have limited allowable levels of rodent hair. Canned or frozen spinach, however, is treated differently under the agency's rules. Because the handbook does not specify an allowed rodent-hair level for canned or frozen spinach, any rodent contamination in that product is considered adulteration and can trigger a recall. The FDA defines a Class II recall as one in which exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, which is the risk category applied in this case.
What Shoppers Should Do
If you bought a box, look for lot G25CF-02B and UPC 4099100247992 on the package and do not eat the product, KTVU reports. Return any affected packages to the store for a refund, and contact Aldi customer service or the manufacturer if you need more information or have health concerns.
