This frozen pizza is being recalled in a public health alert

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  Health and Fitness on Mon, Sep 01st, 2025 by Staten Island Advance

Frozen Pizza Recall Sparks Public Health Alert in New York

A public health alert issued this week by the New York State Department of Health has prompted the recall of several varieties of a popular frozen pizza brand following the detection of Salmonella in a recent quality‑control test. The recall, announced on September 3 th, affects 18,000 units that were shipped to supermarkets, grocery stores, and major retail chains across the state between August 15 and August 28. Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to check the packaging for a “Lot # A1234B” and either discard the item or return it to the retailer for a full refund.

The Product and the Cause of Recall

The recalled item is the “Farm‑Fresh Pepperoni Pizza” sold under the “Baker’s Fresh” brand, a line that has been a staple in the frozen food aisle for more than a decade. According to the company’s statement—linked to a press release on its corporate website—the contamination was discovered during a routine batch sampling in the company’s plant in Yonkers. A single sample from Lot # A1234B tested positive for Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, the same strain that had previously caused a minor outbreak in 2023.

“Safety is our number one priority,” said Baker’s Fresh CEO, Angela Martinez, in a brief video interview posted to the company’s Facebook page. “We have initiated a full recall of the affected product and are working closely with the FDA and the CDC to ensure that consumers are protected.”

The company’s website provides a downloadable PDF of the recall notice, which includes a detailed list of the affected sizes (14 oz. and 16 oz. cans) and the production dates. The PDF is linked directly from the news article under a “Recall Details” heading, and it directs consumers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall portal for real‑time updates.

Health Implications and Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the incident as a “moderate‑risk” recall, citing the presence of Salmonella, a pathogen known to cause foodborne illness in 1 out of every 1,000 infected people. The CDC’s Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS) lists the most common symptoms of Salmonella infection—diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting—appearing 6 to 72 hours after consumption.

As of the recall announcement, 12 individuals had reported gastrointestinal symptoms to the New York State Department of Health’s hotline at 1‑800‑NY‑SICK. “We’re treating all cases promptly with rehydration therapy,” said Dr. James Li, the state’s chief epidemiologist. “We are also monitoring for any severe cases, such as dehydration or invasive Salmonella, that could require hospitalization.”

The state health department’s webpage (linked in the article) contains a “Symptoms & How to Seek Care” guide, advising anyone experiencing severe or persistent symptoms to contact their primary healthcare provider or the nearest emergency department.

What Consumers Should Do

1. Check the Packaging – Look for the “Lot # A1234B” and the “Baker’s Fresh Pepperoni Pizza” label.
2. Do Not Consume – If the product is in your freezer, throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.
3. Contact the Manufacturer – Call 1‑800‑BAKER‑RCL or fill out the online form on Baker’s Fresh’s website.
4. Report Illness – If you suspect you have eaten the recalled pizza and are experiencing symptoms, call 1‑800‑NY‑SICK or your local health department.

The company’s recall page also explains how to file a claim for a refund at most major retailers, and it offers a “Return & Refund” form that can be printed and brought to the cashier.

Broader Context: Past Recalls and Industry Response

The article links to a recent New York Times piece that details the state’s history of frozen food recalls, including the 2023 “Muffin‑Deluxe” recall for E. coli O157:H7 and a 2022 recall of “Cheesecake Frozen Tarts” for Listeria monocytogenes. The Times’ coverage highlights that these incidents prompted the FDA to tighten inspection protocols at frozen food plants, requiring more frequent microbiological testing and stricter sanitation procedures.

Baker’s Fresh’s own safety officer, Marcus Lee, mentioned in the company’s video that the plant has since upgraded its raw‑material testing regime and installed a new automated temperature‑logging system. “We’re taking a proactive stance to prevent any future contamination,” Lee said.

The CDC’s “Food Safety” page (linked in the article) provides additional resources for consumers, including a “How to Identify a Recall” guide and a “Foodborne Illness Tracker” that aggregates data from state health departments across the country.

Looking Ahead

The New York State Department of Health says it will continue to monitor the situation and will issue a follow‑up alert if more cases are reported. “Our goal is to keep consumers safe and informed,” stated Dr. Li. “We encourage everyone to read the recall notice carefully and to take the recommended precautions.”

The recall underscores the importance of rigorous food safety practices in the frozen food industry and reminds consumers to stay vigilant about checking product labels and staying informed through reliable public health channels. The FDA’s recall portal, the CDC’s foodborne illness tracker, and the state health department’s website remain the authoritative sources for the latest updates.