Aldi’s Frozen Spinach Product Recalled Over Rodent Hair Contamination
Nobody wants to hear the words "rodent hair" and "food" in the same sentence. Unfortunately, here we are.
Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Inc. has voluntarily recalled its Simply Nature Spinach Bites — sold at Aldi stores — due to possible rodent hair contamination. The FDA announced the recall on Monday, March 16, though it's worth noting the recall was actually first initiated back on January 16 and has been ongoing since.
The good news: no illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported. The product was pulled from Aldi shelves when the recall first went into effect in January, and anything currently sitting on shelves is considered safe.
Who's Affected
The recall covers specific lots of Simply Nature Spinach Bites distributed in Maryland and Pennsylvania, packaged in 12-ounce frozen boxes. About 7,894 units total are caught up in this.
If you have a box at home, check the label for the brand name "Simply Nature" and look for lot number G25CF-02B with UPC 4099100247992. If that matches what's in your freezer — don't eat it.
Why It Actually Matters
The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, which means the risk of serious harm is relatively low but not zero. Rodent hair isn't just gross — it's a legitimate health concern. Ingesting it presents a choking hazard, and if the hair carries pathogens, it could cause a rash or infection.
Low probability of serious consequences doesn't mean no consequences. It just means the FDA considers the risk manageable — which is cold comfort when you're the one who ate it.
What To Do
If you bought the affected product, don't eat it. Take it back to the store for a full refund. That's it — straightforward process, no hoops to jump through.
Dr. Praeger's and the FDA didn't immediately respond to comment requests, so there's no additional detail yet on how the contamination occurred or at what point in the production process it happened.
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