Additional consumer complaints prompt expanded Kraft Heinz recall

Kraft Heinz is expanding a recall of cheese slices after two new consumer complaints of choking in connection with a packaging issue.

The firm recalled individually-wrapped slices at the end of July after 10 consumer complaints about the packaging, including three of consumers choking.

It said a thin strip of the individual packaging film may remain adhered to the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice it could cause a choking hazard.

Affected products include the previously recalled 3 LB and 4 LB sizes of Kraft Singles American and White American pasteurized prepared cheese with a “Best When Used By” date of 29 DEC 15 through 04 JAN 16, followed by Manufacturing Code S54 or S55.

Only products with the S54 and S55 codes, which refer to two production lines on which the impacted product was made, are included.

A total of 335,000 additional cases were shipped to retailers in the US and Puerto Rico, Anguilla, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands Grand Cayman, Netherland Antilles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, St. Lucia, and British Virgin Islands.

The firm advised consumers who had purchased the product not to eat it and return it to the store where purchased for an exchange or refund. 

Kraft Heinz also recalled more than 2 million pounds (84,000 cases) of turkey bacon in August.

The firm said Oscar Mayer products may be adulterated as they could spoil before the “Best When Used By” date.