Some Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s frozen meals recalled due to possible Wood-Like Material Contamination

If you’ve got Lean Cuisine or Stouffer’s frozen meals in your freezer, it’s time to double-check the labels. Nestlé USA has issued a voluntary recall for certain batches of these popular frozen meals due to the potential presence of “wood-like material.” Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, including which products are affected, what to do if you have them, and how this fits into the bigger picture of food safety.

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Which Products Are Affected?

The recall impacts four specific products produced between August 2024 and March 2025. These meals were sold at major retailers nationwide between September 2024 and March 2025. The affected products include:

• Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli

• Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli

• Lean Cuisine Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

• Stouffer's Party Size Chicken Lasagna

Not all batches are affected—only specific ones with certain expiration dates and batch codes. You can find the full list of recalled products, including batch numbers, on the FDA’s website.

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Why Were These Meals Recalled?

The recall was initiated after Nestlé USA received consumer complaints about the potential presence of wood-like material in some meals. The company has reported one potential choking incident related to the issue.

In a statement, Nestlé USA said it is “actively investigating the source of the wood-like material” and believes this to be an “isolated issue.” The company is working closely with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure the safety of its products.

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What Should You Do If You Have These Products?

If you’ve purchased any of the recalled meals, here’s what Nestlé USA recommends:

1. Stop eating the product immediately.

2. Return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund or replacement.

The recall only applies to specific batches, so not all Lean Cuisine or Stouffer’s products are affected. Be sure to check the batch codes on your packaging to confirm whether your product is part of the recall.

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How Common Are Recalls Like This?

Food recalls due to foreign materials, such as wood-like substances, are relatively rare. According to consumer advocacy group PIRG, only 4.1% of FDA and USDA food recalls in 2024 were related to foreign material contamination. For comparison:

• 22% of recalls were due to listeria.

• 14% of recalls were linked to salmonella.

• 34% of recalls involved undeclared allergens.

In 2024 alone, there were 296 food recall announcements in the U.S., highlighting the importance of staying informed about food safety issues.

Nestlé USA has assured customers that it is taking this issue seriously and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety. If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact Nestlé USA’s customer service team for assistance.

For the most up-to-date information on the recall, including a full list of affected products and batch codes, visit the FDA’s website.