Valley Fine Foods Recalls Microwavable Meals Due to Possible Contamination

Andrea Beck
·2 min read

Image courtesy of Three Bridges

Before you heat up a microwavable meal for lunch or dinner today, be sure to double-check the packaging. Valley Fine Foods has issued a recall for over 35,000 pounds of refrigerated Simple Dishes brand pasta entrees with meat and chicken after discovering that some of them may have been contaminated with “spoilage organisms,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. While there’s no word on exactly what the contaminant is, the FSIS is urging consumers not to eat products, warning that they may get sick.

The company reported that the recalled products were produced between August 15 and October 4, 2018, though some of the entrees included in the recall have “best if used by” dates up to November 25, 2018. Especially if you were stocking up on quick meals for later, check your freezer! The entrees are heat-treated but not fully cooked (meaning they need to microwaved to finish cooking them before eating), and were distributed to retail locations in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and North Carolina.

All of the entrees included in the recall have the establishment number “P-22102B” or “M-22102B” on the side of the product package. Here’s a full list of the products included in the recall:

  • 12-oz. tray packages containing “SIMPLE DISHES Chicken Penne Alfredo” with case code #19304, case UPC code 1-07-42753-34709-0, and “best if used by” dates beginning 10/09/18 through 11/25/18. Unit UPC 7-42753-34709-3.

  • 12-oz. tray packages containing “SIMPLE DISHES Chicken Primavera” with case code #19033, case UPC code 1-07-42753-34708-3, and “best if used by” dates beginning 10/09/18 through 11/25/18. Unit UPC 7-42753-34708-6.

  • 12-oz. tray packages containing “SIMPLE DISHES Italian Sausage Ziti” with case code #19035, case UPC code 1-07-42753-34711-3, and “best if used by” dates beginning 10/09/18 through 11/25/18. Unit UPC 7-42753-34711-6.

  • 12-oz. tray packages containing “SIMPLE DISHES Rigatoni with Meatballs and a Mushroom Cream Sauce” with case code #19036, case UPC Code of 1-07-42753- 34710-6 and “best if used by” dates beginning 10/09/18 through “11/25/18.” Unit UPC 7-42753-34710-9.

Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported yet, but the FSIS is urging consumers to check their fridges and freezers, and to throw away or return any entrees included in the recall. If you’re worried that you may have gotten sick after eating one of the entrees, be sure to visit your doctor or healthcare provider.