If you've got a box of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers stashed in your freezer, it's time to check the label. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of more than 160,000 pounds of the popular frozen snack due to concerns that certain packages may contain pieces of metal. The voluntary recall, initiated by manufacturer Rich Products Corp., affects 6,408 cases of the product distributed across 21 states and has now been classified as a Class II recall by federal regulators.
What Triggered the Farm Rich Pizza Recall?
Rich Products Corp., a New York-based food manufacturer, voluntarily pulled 160,200 pounds of its Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers from store shelves after internal testing identified the potential for metal fragments in the product. The recall was first initiated on May 19, 2026, according to the FDA. On June 9, 2026, the agency formally classified the recall as a Class II event, meaning that exposure to the affected product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, such as mouth or throat injuries, dental damage, or gastrointestinal irritation.
The affected product is a frozen, breaded pizza snack typically sold in the frozen food aisle at major retailers nationwide. While no injuries or consumer complaints have been confirmed as of this writing, the FDA's classification signals a serious enough risk to warrant public awareness.
21 States Affected by the Frozen Snack Recall
The recalled Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers were distributed to retailers in 21 states across the country. Consumers in the following states should check their freezers: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
The product is commonly sold at grocery chains including Walmart, Lidl, and Dollar General, though the official recall notice does not specify which individual retailers received the affected cases. If you purchased Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers recently, it's worth verifying whether your specific box is part of the recall.
How to Tell If Your Frozen Pizza Snack Is Affected
Not every box of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers is included in this recall. You'll need to check three specific identifiers on your packaging to determine if your product is affected:
- Lot Number: 003029976
- UPC Code: 041322652256
- Best By Date: July 30, 2027
If your box matches all three identifiers, do not consume the product. The FDA and Rich Products Corp. advise consumers to either dispose of the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Timeline: How the Farm Rich Recall Unfolded
The recall timeline reveals a two-stage process that moved from an internal company decision to a formal FDA classification. Here is how events unfolded:
- May 19, 2026: Rich Products Corp. initiates a voluntary recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers after discovering potential metal contamination in the product.
- Late May 2026: The company notifies distributors and retailers to remove affected inventory from shelves. Notices are sent to stores across the 21-state distribution footprint.
- June 9, 2026: The FDA formally classifies the recall as a Class II event, upgrading the public health visibility of the action. This classification means the contaminated product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.
- June 10-12, 2026: News outlets including Allrecipes, The Healthy, AOL, Yahoo News, and regional news stations begin reporting on the recall, alerting consumers nationwide.
What Metal Contamination Means for Your Health
Metal fragments in food products pose several potential health risks. The FDA's Class II classification indicates that while serious health consequences are unlikely to be permanent, they can still cause significant discomfort and injury. Potential risks include cuts or lacerations to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, damage to teeth, and gastrointestinal irritation if fragments are swallowed.
This recall is part of a broader pattern of food safety concerns in 2026. Earlier this year, thousands of pizza and bread products were recalled over similar metal fragment concerns, according to reports from the FDA, and several other frozen food recalls have occurred due to contamination risks. Food safety experts recommend that consumers regularly check FDA recall notices and register their purchased products when possible to receive direct notifications.
Where Things Stand Now
As of mid-June 2026, the recall is active and consumers are being urged to check their freezers. Rich Products Corp. has not expanded the recall beyond the original 6,408 cases identified on May 19. No additional lot numbers or products have been added since the initial announcement. The FDA continues to monitor the situation, and no consumer injuries or complaints have been reported to date.
Retailers in the affected states have been instructed to remove the product from shelves and to process returns for consumers who bring affected boxes back to the store. If you're unsure whether your local store sold the affected product, you can contact the retailer directly or consult the FDA's recall database for the most current information.
What Consumers Should Do Next
If you regularly purchase frozen pizza snacks or Farm Rich products, here are your next steps. First, check your freezer immediately for any Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers and verify the lot number, UPC, and best-by date against the recall information above. If your box matches, throw it away or return it to the store. If you consumed the product and experienced any symptoms such as mouth pain, throat discomfort, or gastrointestinal issues, contact your healthcare provider. Finally, stay informed by signing up for FDA recall alerts or following trusted food safety news sources.
Moving forward, this recall serves as an important reminder to always check your frozen food packages for recall notices — especially when it comes to products stored in the freezer where they can sit for months before being consumed.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Product recalled: Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers, 160,200 pounds total (6,408 cases)
- Reason: Potential metal fragments contamination
- Recall date: May 19, 2026 (FDA Class II classification on June 9, 2026)
- Affected states: 21 states including CA, FL, TX, NY, and more
- How to identify: Lot 003029976, UPC 041322652256, Best by July 30, 2027
- What to do: Return to store or discard — do not consume
