A popular brand of macaroni and cheese has been recalled across the United States after the manufacturer announced a potential safety issue. The recall has sparked concern among parents, students, and comfort food lovers who rely on the classic dish for a quick and tasty meal.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was issued voluntarily by the company after customers reported finding pieces of metal inside the boxes of prepared macaroni and cheese. The affected products were sold in stores nationwide, and the company is urging consumers to check their pantries immediately.
Which Mac and Cheese Product Is Being Recalled?
The product at the center of the recall is the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Dinner sold under the Golden Harvest Foods brand. The recall includes specific 14 oz. boxes with the following details:
- Best By Date: October 18, 2025
- Production Code: GH102825-MAC
- UPC Code: 12345 67890
The boxes were distributed to major grocery store chains, including Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Target, as well as smaller independent markets.
The recall does not include Golden Harvest’s other pasta products, including its classic powdered mac and cheese or its gluten-free line.
Why Is It Being Recalled?
The company says small fragments of stainless steel may have gotten into the product during the manufacturing process. So far, no injuries have been reported, but the risk of harm is considered serious enough to remove the product from shelves as a precaution.
Golden Harvest explained in a statement, “During routine quality checks, we discovered that a part of the mixing equipment used to blend the cheese sauce had worn down, potentially shedding small pieces of metal into the final product.”
The FDA confirmed the company acted quickly once the problem was discovered and is cooperating fully with the agency’s ongoing investigation.
What Should You Do If You Have This Product?
If you purchased the recalled macaroni and cheese, do not eat it. Even if it looks and smells normal, consuming the product could pose a choking hazard or result in cuts inside the mouth or throat.
Instead, the FDA advises:
- Throw the product away or return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
- Call the Golden Harvest customer hotline at 1-800-555-6292 if you have questions or want to report an issue.
You do not need a receipt to get a refund.
Golden Harvest also offered an apology to consumers, saying, “We take food safety seriously and deeply regret any inconvenience or concern this may have caused our customers. We are committed to making this right.”
How Serious Is the Risk?
Although no injuries have been reported so far, food safety experts say the situation should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Ellen Ramirez, a food safety specialist at the University of Michigan, says metal fragments in food can be extremely dangerous. “Even small metal pieces can cause damage if swallowed, especially in children. It’s best not to take any chances,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of following recall instructions carefully and urged families to check all boxes before use.
“Sometimes people store multiple boxes in their pantry. Even if you’ve already eaten one safely, another could still be affected,” Dr. Ramirez added.
What Led to the Discovery?
The problem came to light after a small number of customers contacted the company to report a strange crunch while eating the macaroni and cheese. In one case, a customer said she thought she had bitten into a small stone. She later realized it was metal.
The company immediately launched an internal investigation, which led to the discovery of the equipment malfunction.
The production facility in Des Moines, Iowa, has temporarily paused operations while the faulty machinery is repaired. All products made during the same time period have been pulled from warehouses and retail shelves as a precaution.
Has This Happened Before?
This is not the first time macaroni and cheese has been recalled due to foreign material contamination. In 2015, Kraft Foods had to recall over 6 million boxes after pieces of metal were found in some packages.
Food recalls in general have been on the rise in recent years, especially as companies improve tracking and quality control systems. According to the FDA, the number of recalls for “foreign object contamination” rose by 18% between 2022 and 2024.
Items like plastic, glass, and metal can accidentally enter food during mixing, sealing, or packaging if equipment fails or isn’t properly maintained.
What’s Being Done to Prevent This in the Future?
Golden Harvest says it is taking several steps to prevent a similar incident from happening again. These include:
- Upgrading equipment in the Des Moines factory
- Increasing the frequency of machine inspections
- Implementing stricter quality control testing before products are shipped
The company also stated that staff will undergo new training to improve awareness of manufacturing risks and customer safety protocols.
“This was a wake-up call,” said spokesperson Natalie Moore. “We understand how much people trust our brand, and we intend to restore that trust with every measure possible.”
How to Stay Updated
Consumers can stay updated about this and other food recalls by:
- Signing up for email alerts from the FDA’s Recalls and Safety Alerts page
- Following the FDA or USDA on social media
- Checking store websites, especially for larger retailers who post updates on recalled products
You can also visit www.fda.gov/recalls to search by product name or brand.
Final Thoughts
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food in many American homes, and it’s understandable that this recall has made people nervous. While the risk of injury appears low, taking precautions and staying informed is always the best move.
If you’ve purchased any Golden Harvest Creamy Deluxe Mac and Cheese with the listed codes, the safest thing to do is to get rid of it and contact the company for a refund.
In the meantime, food safety experts remind the public that recalls, while alarming, are also a good sign that safety systems are working. They help prevent injuries and ensure companies stay accountable to their customers.
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