A frozen pizza product that was recalled across three states has been issued a "Class II" risk level by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The "Connie's Thin Crust Cheese Pizza" product was voluntarily recalled on December 13 last year by the Wisconisn-based brand Palermo Villa, Inc. because of the possible presence of plastic foreign contaminants.
Newsweek has contacted Palermo Villa for comment about the recall.
A Class II recall risk level was given for the products on January 7, which is issued when "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," the FDA explains.
Class II is the second-most severe risk level, with a Class I being the most dangerous. These are issued when "there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
The recalled pizza products are 20.36oz, have a UPC of 0 75706-19104 8 and a lot number of MR199856.
The 1,728 pizzas involved in the recall were distributed to grocery stores across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and had an expiry date of November 27, 2024.
Small or sharp pieces of plastic present in food can pose a choking hazard or risk of injury to the digestive tract if swallowed, or chipped or broken teeth if chewed.
Plastic pieces in food may also carry bacteria or pathogens, especially if the plastic originates from unhygienic sources or is exposed to unsanitary conditions.
Additionally, contaminated plastic could introduce toxic substances to food, making it unsafe for consumption: some types of plastic contain harmful chemicals like phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA), which may leach into food and cause negative health impacts.
The pizzas were no longer on sale when the recall was issued, but customers were warned that previously bought affected products could still be in their freezers.
"Consumers who have purchased these pizzas are urged not to consume them. They should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a refund," the FDA explained in December.
The FDA noted that to date no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported as a result of the plastic foreign contaminants.
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