The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Food)·F-0121-2018·Announced 2017-11-15

San Gennaro Foods Recalls Polenta Due to Unapproved Ink Contact

San Gennaro Foods is recalling multiple brands of organic polenta because date coding ink was printed directly on the food contact surface of the packaging.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The FDA classified this as a Class III recall, which indicates a low probability of adverse health consequences. The hazard involves unapproved ink contact, which is a labeling/packaging compliance issue rather than a high-risk pathogen or allergen.

Plain-English summary

San Gennaro Foods, Inc. is recalling several brands of pre-cooked organic polenta, including Ancient Harvest, Trader Joe's, Frieda's, and Italissima. The recall involves 12/18 oz and 12/16 oz packages of Basil Garlic and Traditional Organic Polenta.

The reason for the recall is that date coding ink was printed directly on the food contact surface of the packaging, allowing the ink to be in direct contact with the product. The ink used is not approved for food use.

The affected products were distributed in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada. Consumers should check their pantries for the specific brands and UPC codes listed in the official recall notice and dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase.

The recalled product

Product
Basil Garlic Organic Polenta, Ancient Harvest brand, Pre-cooked ready-to-heat, 12/18 oz packages UPC# 6-59201-10203-9 Traditional Organic Polenta, Trader Joe's brand, Pre-cooked ready-to-heat and serve, 12/18oz package UPC# 0079-7177 Basil Garlic Organic Polenta, Frieda's
Manufacturer
San Gennaro Foods, Inc
Category
Food — Prepared Foods
Hazard

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (20)

  • Ancient Harvest codes: 010918
  • 011518
  • 013018
  • 020518
  • 021218
  • 021918
  • 022718
  • 031518
  • 041218
  • 050118
  • 051618
  • 052118
  • 060518
  • 061218
  • 062118
  • 062518
  • 070218. Trader Joe's codes: 010318
  • 010418
  • 011018
  • 011718

Distribution

Distributed in 18 states:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 14 recalled by San Gennaro Foods, Inc under a single FDA (Food) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 14 products in this recall →

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