Federal regulators have classified the recall of HelloFresh Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizzas as Class II. It signals that the product could pose temporary or medically reversible health risks.
The recall, which affects frozen pizzas distributed to customers in 10 states, was initiated after an ingredient supplier identified a possible contamination issue due to the potential presence of metal fragments involving slow‑roasted tomatoes used in the product.
While the recall was launched earlier this year, on January 19, voluntarily, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) classification—assigned on March 23—elevates the consumer risk assessment and marks the latest development in the ongoing case.
Newsweek has contacted the recalling firm, Bakkavor, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and HelloFresh for comment via email.
What To Know
The affected item is Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza, net weight 13.90 ounces (394g), with UPC 8 57919 00785 5, which was distributed by Grocery Delivery E‑Services of New York, New York.
The recall was initiated after an ingredient supplier notified the company that certain lots of slow‑roasted tomatoes, used in the pizza, could contain metal fragments.
Those tomatoes were identified as the source of the issue following an internal review, according to recall documentation.
Customers who received the Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza between October 8, 2025, and January 23, 2026, were advised to discard the product if still in their possession, based on records showing they may have ordered an impacted lot.
Customers were directed to use product photos to help identify the affected item, according to a post on the r/hellofresh subreddit.
A total of 2,337 cases, consisting of 15 packages per case, are included in the recall, according to the FS.
The affected HelloFresh Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza lot codes are:
- Lot 20367483 UB 6/29/2
- Lot 20367483 UB 6/30/2
- Lot 20377537 UB 9/4/26
- Lot 20377821 UB 9/5/26
The recall is classified as Class II, meaning exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
The action is voluntary, initiated by the firm, and the recall remains ongoing.
The recalled pizzas were shipped to customers in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia.
HelloFresh Response
Details of the customer notification were shared publicly on the r/hellofresh subreddit, where a user posted what they described as a notice sent to affected customers.
The notice stated that HelloFresh had been informed by an ingredient supplier of the potential presence of metal fragments in slow‑roasted tomatoes used in the Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza and that customers who received the product during the specified time frame should discard it.
It said: “One of our ingredient suppliers has just informed us that certain lots of slow roasted tomatoes, an ingredient in the Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza, has the potential presence of metal fragments.
“We are reaching out because our records indicate that you ordered the potentially impacted product. If you are in possession of the Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza received on 10/08/25 and through 01/23/26, please discard it.
“For identifying the impacted product, please reference the photo below.”
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