Metal Contamination Prompts Nationwide Recall of Feel Good Foods Mac & Cheese Bites
A nationwide recall has been issued for Feel Good Foods Inc.’s Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites due to the possible presence of metal fragments in the product. The voluntary recall, announced on February 5, affects over 4,200 cases of the popular frozen snack. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II recall, which means that while the likelihood of severe health risks is low, consuming the product could lead to temporary or medically reversible injuries.
The affected products were distributed across the country and are packaged in yellow cartons with a net weight of 8 oz. Consumers can identify the recalled items by checking for "best by" dates of June 19 and 20, 2026, lot numbers 24354AV1 and 24355AV1, and the UPC code 899039002808. The FDA classified the recall as a Class II risk on February 19.
Foreign objects in food products pose serious health risks. Even small metal fragments can lead to dental injuries, internal lacerations, and digestive tract damage. If a person swallows a sharp or jagged piece of metal, it could cause cuts or punctures in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. While some cases may resolve without medical intervention, others may require surgery or emergency care. The potential for harm has prompted heightened concern among consumers, especially those who may have already consumed the product before the recall was announced.
The FDA’s classification system ranks recalls based on the level of danger posed to consumers. A Class I recall, the most severe, applies when a product has a high likelihood of causing serious injury or death. Class III recalls involve issues that are unlikely to cause harm. The Feel Good Foods recall falls in between these categories, indicating that while the metal contamination may not pose an immediate life-threatening risk, it still has the potential to cause significant health problems.
Feel Good Foods Inc. has not yet provided public statements beyond the recall notice. The FDA has emphasized that most recalls in the U.S. are voluntary and that its role is to oversee the recall process, evaluate the risks, and keep consumers informed. The agency’s website provides updates on recalls and safety alerts, allowing consumers to check for dangerous products before purchasing or consuming them.
How Contaminated Food Can Cause Serious Harm
Food contamination involving foreign objects can lead to a range of injuries, some of which require medical intervention. In this case, the presence of metal in the mac and cheese bites creates risks such as dental fractures, choking, and internal injuries.
Dental injuries can occur when a consumer bites into a contaminated product, resulting in cracked or broken teeth. If a piece of metal is small enough to be swallowed but still sharp or rigid, it can tear the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Some individuals may experience internal bleeding, infection, or long-term complications. Children, elderly individuals, and those with preexisting gastrointestinal issues are particularly vulnerable to serious injury from consuming food containing foreign objects.
In some cases, metal fragments can pass through the digestive system without causing damage, but there is no guarantee that will happen. Sharp or jagged objects may become lodged in the intestines, leading to blockages, perforations, or other dangerous complications. If a foreign object perforates the digestive tract, it can lead to life-threatening infections, including peritonitis, which requires emergency medical treatment.
Even if injuries do not require surgery, the emotional distress and financial burden of seeking medical care can be overwhelming. When consumers buy food products, they expect them to be safe for consumption. Manufacturers that fail to prevent contamination can be held liable for the harm caused by their negligence.
Legal Rights of Consumers Affected by Contaminated Food
Individuals who suffer harm due to contaminated food products may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit against the responsible parties. In this case, those affected by the Feel Good Foods recall could potentially seek compensation if they experienced injuries from consuming the mac and cheese bites.
Product liability laws hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when a product is unsafe due to defects, contamination, or inadequate warnings. Food manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure their products meet safety standards before they reach consumers. If a company fails to prevent contamination and consumers suffer harm as a result, the company may be liable for damages.
A lawsuit against a food manufacturer typically involves proving that the product was defective and caused injury. In this case, evidence such as medical records, the recalled product packaging, and statements from food safety experts may be used to establish liability. Companies that release food products contaminated with foreign objects may be held responsible under negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty claims.
The Legal Process for Filing a Product Liability Claim
Victims who have suffered injuries from the recalled mac and cheese bites may be able to pursue legal action by filing a product liability lawsuit. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Evaluating the Injury and Identifying the Contaminated Product: Victims must establish that they consumed the recalled product and suffered harm as a direct result. Medical records, purchase receipts, and photos of the foreign object found in the food can serve as key evidence.
- Filing a Legal Complaint: The lawsuit is filed against the responsible company, outlining the claims, the harm suffered, and the compensation being sought. The complaint initiates the legal process and notifies the defendant of the allegations.
- Evidence Collection and Legal Discovery: Both sides gather and exchange evidence. This stage may involve depositions, expert witness testimony, and internal company records showing quality control failures.
- Settlement Negotiations: Many product liability cases are resolved before trial through negotiations. If the company offers a fair settlement, the case may conclude without litigation. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial.
- Trial and Verdict: If the lawsuit goes to trial, both parties present their arguments, and a judge or jury determines whether the company is liable for damages. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, compensation is awarded.
Why Injured Consumers Need a Lawyer
Handling a product liability case without legal representation can be challenging. Large food manufacturers have legal teams dedicated to minimizing liability and protecting their interests. An attorney with experience in product liability law can build a strong case by gathering the necessary evidence, negotiating with the company’s legal representatives, and advocating for the maximum compensation possible.
A lawyer can also help victims understand their rights and legal options, ensuring they take the necessary steps to hold the responsible parties accountable. Without legal guidance, victims may struggle to obtain fair compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Potential Compensation in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims harmed by contaminated food may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the case, damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospital visits, diagnostic tests, and any required treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injury and recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term health effects.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the company’s negligence was particularly egregious, the court may award additional damages to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries after consuming Feel Good Foods Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites, you may be entitled to compensation. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is dedicated to helping victims hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation and learn how you can protect your legal rights. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.
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