Kraft Heinz is recalling over 83,000 cases of Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices due to a potential choking hazard. The company voluntarily issued the recall after discovering that the wrapper on the individual slices could stick to the cheese, posing a risk to consumers. Kraft had recently redesigned the wrapping to make it easier to open, addressing a common customer complaint. However, a temporary issue with one of their wrapping machines resulted in a thin strip of film remaining on the cheese after the wrapper was removed. While no major injuries have been reported, several consumer complaints and incidents of choking or gagging prompted the recall. Consumers who purchased the affected products are advised to either discard them or return them to the store for a refund or exchange.
Recall Announcement
Kraft Heinz, one of the leading food companies in the world, has issued a voluntary recall of 83,800 cases of Singles Cheese due to a potential choking hazard. The recall comes after the company discovered an issue with the wrapper on the individual cheese slices, which could stick to the cheese and pose a risk for consumers. Kraft Heinz is committed to ensuring the safety of its customers and is taking this precautionary measure to address the issue promptly.
Reason for the Recall
The primary reason for the recall is the potential choking hazard that the affected product presents. The wrapper on the individual slices of cheese could stick to the cheese and create a risk for consumers, as it may cause them to choke. Kraft Heinz prioritizes the safety of its consumers and has decided to issue the recall to prevent any potential health risks associated with this issue.
Description of the Issue
The issue with the Kraft Singles Cheese involves the wrapper sticking to the cheese, which can be a significant cause for concern. The company had previously acknowledged the customer complaints regarding the difficulty of opening the clear wrappers. As a result, Kraft Heinz had redesigned the wrapping earlier this year to address this problem. However, due to a temporary issue with one of the wrapping machines, there is a possibility that a thin strip of the individual film may remain on the slice after the wrapper has been removed. This can potentially lead to choking risks for consumers.
Consumer Complaints
Kraft Heinz has been proactive in addressing consumer complaints related to the packaging of the Singles Cheese. The number one customer complaint received by the company was the inability to open the clear wrapper easily. This issue prompted Kraft Heinz to redesign the wrapping in an effort to improve customer satisfaction. However, during the recall announcement, the company disclosed that there have been several consumer complaints regarding the sticking wrapper issue. Additionally, six consumers reported incidents of choking or gagging associated with the problem.
Absence of Major Injuries
Despite the reported consumer complaints and incidents of choking or gagging, there have been no major injuries reported thus far. However, to ensure the safety of consumers and as a precautionary measure, Kraft Heinz has decided to recall the affected products. The absence of major injuries is a testament to the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in its products.
Affected Products
The recall affects two specific products: the 16 oz. Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with an individual package UPC of 0 2100061526, and the 3 lb. multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a carton UPC of 0 2100060491 3. The affected products have specific “Best When Used By” dates, including 10 JAN 24 through 27 JAN 24 for the 16 oz. product, and 09 JAN 2024 through 13 JAN 2024 and 16 JAN 2024 for the 3 lb. multipacks. Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to either discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased for an exchange or refund.
Instructions for Consumers
For consumers who have purchased the affected products, Kraft Heinz provides clear instructions for their disposal. Consumers are advised to discard the products or return them to the store where they were purchased for an exchange or refund. It is important for consumers to follow these instructions to prevent any potential choking hazards and ensure their safety.
Contact Information
In case of any questions or concerns, consumers can directly contact Kraft Heinz for assistance. The company’s customer support phone number, 1-800-280-8252, is available for consumers to get the required information and guidance. Kraft Heinz understands the importance of consumer satisfaction and is committed to providing the necessary support to address any concerns related to the recall.
Additional Recalls
Apart from the current recall, there are no additional recalls reported by Kraft Heinz at this time. The company remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of its products, and if any further recalls are necessary, the company will promptly notify the public.
Conclusion
Kraft Heinz’s voluntary recall of 83,800 cases of Singles Cheese due to the potential choking hazard demonstrates the company’s commitment to consumer safety. The issue with the wrapper sticking to the cheese has prompted the recall as a precautionary measure, despite no major injuries being reported. Kraft Heinz encourages consumers to follow the provided instructions for product disposal or return and emphasizes its availability to address any concerns through the provided contact information. By taking swift action, Kraft Heinz aims to reassure its customers of its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in its products.
