Kraft Heinz has recall on American cheese slices

Kraft Heinz is calling for a voluntary recall of nearly 84,000 cases of individually wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices because they can be a gagging or choking hazard.

“The voluntary recall comes as a precaution after a temporary issue developed on one of our wrapping machines, making it possible that a thin strip of the individual film may remain on the slice after the wrapper has been removed,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

“If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could be unpleasant and potentially cause a gagging or choking hazard.

Kraft Heinz, which got its start in Pittsburgh as H.J. Heinz more than a century ago, said the issue was discovered after the company received “several consumer complaints” about plastic sticking to slices.

Six of the complaints came from people who said they choked or gagged as a result of the plastic; the company said it has received no reports of injuries or serious health issues.

“Kraft Heinz has fixed the machine that wrapped the affected slices and all other processing machines have been thoroughly inspected,” the company said.

The recall includes 16 ounce Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with an individual package UPC of 0 2100061526 1 and “best when used by” dates of Jan. 10, 2024 through Jan. 27, 2024.

Individual packages in this recall will contain an “S” and “72” in the manufacturing code.

The recall also includes 3pound multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a carton UPC of 0 2100060491 3 and “best when used by” dates of Jan. 9, 2024 through Jan. 13, 2024 and

Jan. 16, 2024.

Only Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices with the case/ package information above were affected, the company said.

Consumers who purchased the items should return them for an exchange or refund.

Consumers can contact Kraft Heinz from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-800-280-8252.