Chicago, IL – A multi-state recall impacting focaccia bread sold at several major grocery chains could affect Illinois shoppers, with federal regulators warning that some products may contain metal fragments.
The recall involves roasted tomato focaccia bread distributed through private-label bakery programs at retailers including Meijer, Trader Joe’s, Kroger and Harris Teeter. The products were manufactured by food supplier Bakkavor and sold under several store brand labels.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall was initiated Jan. 19 and was later classified as a Class II recall on March 23, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects. The issue stems from roasted tomato ingredients that may contain metal fragments.
The recall affects more than 23,000 cases of focaccia bread products distributed across at least 10 states, including Illinois and Michigan. Affected breads were sold in store bakery departments rather than as nationally packaged bread brands.
Products included in the recall were sold under labels such as Frederik’s by Meijer Slow Roasted Tomato & Parmesan Focaccia, Fresh & Simple Roasted Tomato Parmesan Focaccia, HT Traders Roasted Tomato Parmesan Focaccia, and Trader Joe’s Roasted Tomato & Parmesan Focaccia Bread.
Many of the affected products carry “UB” (Use By) dates ranging from April 27, 2026 through Oct. 15, 2026, which has caused confusion for some consumers since those dates are still months away.
Food safety officials say the dates listed are expiration or “use-by” dates, not the recall date. Because bread products can remain frozen or refrigerated for extended periods after production, recalled items may still display future dates even though the recall has already been issued.
Officials say that means products currently sitting in refrigerators, freezers or store inventory could still fall under the recall despite having expiration dates later in 2026.
The FDA advises consumers who purchased the affected focaccia bread products not to eat them. Customers should return the items to the store where they were purchased for a refund or discard them.
As of this week, no injuries connected to the recalled bread products have been reported.
Food safety officials say consumers can check lot numbers printed on packaging and visit the FDA recall database for the full list of affected products and production codes.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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