Kraft Recalling 36,000 Cases Of Cheese Due To Packaging Choking Hazard

(Jeepers Media)

True story: I had a friend in college who often wanted a snack while we were out and about on weekend nights guzzling Milwaukee’s Best Light. To curb her cravings, she’d often stick a few Kraft singles cheese slices in her purse, conveniently wrapped in plastic for individual snacking opportunities. Alas, that same convenient packaging is at the heart of a new voluntary recall from Kraft, over concerns that people could choke on the plastic wrapping.

The Kraft Heinz Company announced in a press release that it’s calling back 36,000 cases of Kraft Singles, because the plastic wrap on individual slices might be a choking hazard, due to its tendency to stick to the cheese.

“A thin strip of the individual packaging film may remain adhered to the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could potentially cause a choking hazard,” Kraft says in a press release about the recall.

So far, there have been 10 consumer complaints about the packaging, three of which included reports of consumers choking.

The recall applies to 3-pound and 4-pound sizes of Kraft Singles American and White American pasteurized prepared cheese product with a Best When Used By Date of December 29, 2015 through January 4, 2016. Check the list here.

“Consumers who purchased this product should not eat it,” the company advises. “They should return it to the store where purchased for an exchange or full refund.”

Consumers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico can also contact Kraft Heinz Consumer Relations for a full refund, at 1-800-432-3101, Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm ET.

“We deeply regret this situation and apologize to any consumers we have disappointed,” Kraft says.

Anyone toting around cheese in your bag for a night on the town, take note.

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist