By Elon Monarch | Dec. 17, 2025 | 6:20 a.m. EST
Frozen pizza holds a special spot in American life. It mixes two favorites—pizza and convenience—into one product that serves families, college students, busy professionals, and late-night snackers. The frozen pizza market in the United States is worth billions yearly, supported by well-known brands, private-label companies, and a growing number of premium and artisanal frozen food makers.
Despite strict federal rules and modern food safety standards, frozen pizza recalls remain a troubling reality. In the past two decades, at least 19 frozen pizza recalls have disturbed grocery stores, kitchens, and consumer trust. These recalls happened because of issues like undeclared allergens, foreign object contamination, and uninspected meat products. They expose vulnerabilities in even the most regulated areas of the food industry.
This article explores the frozen pizza recalls that have affected the nation, the reasons behind them, and what consumers need to do to stay safe.
Why Frozen Pizza Recalls Matter
People often see frozen foods as safer than fresh items because freezing slows down bacterial growth. However, frozen pizza has a mix of ingredients—cheese, meats, vegetables, sauces, and crusts—sourced from different suppliers. Adding ingredients raises the chances of labeling mistakes, cross-contamination, or failing to meet regulations.
Recalls have serious consequences. They can cause foodborne illnesses, expensive lawsuits, FDA and USDA investigations, and lasting harm to brand reputations.
High-profile recalls drive spikes in online searches for terms like:
- Frozen pizza recall list
- USDA food safety alerts
- Listeria contamination in frozen foods
- Undeclared allergens in food recalls
- FDA frozen pizza safety
Table 87 (2019): Uninspected Prosciutto Sparks Recall
One major artisan frozen pizza recall took place in 2019 involving Table 87, a New York-based coal-oven pizza company known for its quality ingredients and its time on Shark Tank.
The company recalled 649 pounds of frozen prosciutto pizza after the USDA found that the prosciutto had been made with uninspected pork. No illnesses were reported, but without inspection, there was no way to confirm that the meat met federal safety standards.
This recall highlighted a rising challenge in the premium frozen food sector—balancing quality sourcing with strict federal rules.
Major Causes of Frozen Pizza Recalls in the U.S.
Among the 19 recorded frozen pizza recalls in this century, several trends stand out.
- Undeclared Allergens
Undeclared allergens are the main reason for frozen pizza recalls. Common allergens include:
- Milk
- Wheat
- Soy
- Eggs
- Tree nuts
Even small amounts can be life-threatening for people with severe food allergies. Labeling mistakes often happen during changes in packaging or supplier swaps.
- Foreign Material Contamination
Some recalls involved foreign objects such as:
- Plastic fragments
- Metal shavings
- Rubber pieces
These hazards can cause choking and serious injuries.
- Pathogen Contamination
While less common in frozen pizza than in fresh foods, concerns over Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella led to recalls when contamination risks were found during routine testing.
- Uninspected or Misidentified Meat
As seen in the Table 87 recall, meat products need to meet USDA inspection rules. Not following these rules—even without evidence of contamination—can prompt immediate recalls.
Other Frozen Pizza Recalls That Alarmed Consumers
While some recalls affected small brands, others involved products sold at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Kroger.
Several well-known frozen pizza makers have recalled products due to:
- Pepperoni with undeclared soy
- Sausage links tied to supplier recalls
- Gluten-free pizzas that had wheat
- Vegan pizzas containing dairy
Each recall emphasizes the need for transparency and strong quality control in food production.
The Role of the USDA and FDA in Food Recalls
Frozen pizza recalls in the U.S. are usually overseen by:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for meat and poultry products
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for non-meat ingredients and labeling issues
When a problem arises, agencies issue:
- Public recall notices
- Product lot numbers and best-by dates
- Risk classifications (Class I, II, or III)
Class I recalls—those with a high chance of serious health issues—get the most concern from consumers and media.
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
Food safety experts suggest several steps to lower risk:
- Monitor recall alerts: Check the USDA FSIS and FDA recall pages often.
- Read ingredient labels carefully: This is vital for people with food allergies or dietary needs.
- Register for retailer alerts: Many grocery chains will notify customers if a recalled product was purchased.
- Do not eat recalled products: This is true even if the pizza looks normal or has been partially cooked.
- Follow disposal or return instructions: Manufacturers usually provide refunds or replacements.
The Impact on the Frozen Food Industry
Frozen pizza recalls not only affect consumers—they change industry practices. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in:
- Ingredient tracking systems
- Supplier audits
- Allergen detection technology
- Improved labeling systems
Premium and private-label frozen pizza brands face high scrutiny since consumers expect top quality and safety at higher prices.
Why Frozen Pizza Remains Popular Despite Recalls
Despite these incidents, frozen pizza is one of the most bought frozen foods in America. Its appeal comes from its affordability, long shelf life, and expanding options—from keto-friendly crusts to plant-based toppings.
The relatively few recalls compared to the vast number of frozen pizzas sold each year suggests that, overall, the system works—but not flawlessly.
Final Thoughts: Convenience vs. Vigilance
The 19 frozen pizza recalls that impacted the United States remind us that even favorite comfort foods come with risks. While federal oversight and corporate responsibilities have greatly improved, consumer awareness is still a key layer of protection.
Frozen pizza will remain a freezer staple in American homes. Staying updated on recalls, understanding food safety labels, and responding quickly to alerts can help ensure that convenience does not compromise health.
As the frozen food industry expands—especially in high-margin, premium sections—food safety compliance will stay a regulatory requirement and a competitive need.
Disclaimer: We may earn a commission on purchases made from links. Always follow official FDA and USDA guidance regarding recalled food products.