Idaho grocery chain recalls snacks linked to video of dead mouse in jar

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) – Before you grab a snack, take a closer look at the label.

WinCo Foods recalled prepared deli foods after learning that a key ingredient — peperoncini — had been pulled from store shelves due to a “potential pest contaminant,’ according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recalled pickled peppers were linked to a video showing a dead mouse in a jar, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

RELATED | Video of dead mouse in jar prompts recall of pantry staple. What to know in Idaho

Here’s what Idaho shoppers should know:

Which food was recalled in Idaho? Why?

WinCo Foods, which is headquartered in Boise, recalled its salsa bean dip trays on Thursday, Oct. 1, after learning they contained recalled peperoncini.

G. L. Mezzetta of American River, California, recalled one lot of its Golden Greek Peperoncini Medium Heat on Sept. 26 after a consumer video appeared to show a dead mouse in one jar.

“We’re aware of a video circulating on social media showing a potential pest contaminant in a jar,” the company said in its Sept. 26 recall notice. “We have contacted the consumer and have moved quickly to investigate the situation and initiate a voluntary recall.”

The video was posted on TikTok on Sept. 16 as a “public service announcement.”

“Don’t buy this brand of peperoncinis. I have a dead mouse in mine,” the TikTok user, identified only as Tiffany, says in the video.

After the peperoncini were recalled, WinCo Foods received an alert from G.L. Mezzetta.

Which Winco Foods product has been recalled?

According to WinCo Foods, these products were impacted by the recall:

• WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray Express: UPC 2-67173-#####, net weight of 54 ounces
• WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray, 16 Inch Catering Tray (by special order only): UPC 2-67240-#####, net weight of 104 ounces

The affected trays have “best if used by” dates ranging from Aug. 14 through Sept. 25, the 24-hour grocery store chain said.

Where were recalled bean dip trays sold?

Recalled salsa bean dips were made and distributed at WinCo Food stores in several states, including Idaho.

Recalled dips were also sold in Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

“As these products are ready-made deli-type items with a short shelf life, product is not expected to still be in consumers’ homes, and all product that may have been made using peperoncini was removed from retail stores,” the FDA said.

What should I do if I bought recalled snacks?

If you bought the recalled bean dip, do not eat it and dispose of it properly.

WinCo Foods said “no pests were observed during the production of the bean dip trays, nor have there been any complaints.”

However, the Idaho company said it initiated the recall with “transparency for our customers and food safety in mind.”

If you purchased the product and have any concerns regarding the recall, Winco Foods advised shoppers to call their customer service line at 1-800-824-1706.

Which Mezzetta products were recalled?

According to the FDA, the Mezzetta recall applies only to a specific product and lot:

• Product name: Mezzetta Golden Greek Peperoncini Medium Heat
• Size: 32 ounces
• SKU: 10106328
• Lot: 720106

Consumers should check the jar and compare the product and lot information with the recall details before eating it.

“WinCo Foods did not have or use any product with evidence of pests included in the jar, nor has the company received any complaints regarding potential pests or illness related to the bean dip trays to date,” the FDA said in an announcement on Thursday.

Which food and drinks have been recalled in Idaho?

According to past McClatchy Media reporting, recent recalls affecting customers in Idaho include:

• Beef, pork and goat meat didn’t undergo federal inspection
• Frozen pasta recalled for potential listeria contamination
• “Foreign materials” in So Delicious Dairy Free frozen dessert
• Ready-to-eat pork products contaminated with listeria
• Broccoli sprouts recalled for salmonella contamination

In addition, a total of 53 consumer products sold in Idaho were subject to federal recalls in August, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a Sept. 3 news release.

That included items “specifically designed for infants and children,” Labrador said, such as “hazardous” clothing, toys and baby equipment.

Recalls also impacted motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and bicycle parts sold in Idaho, the Statesman previously reported.

Other recalls issued in August affected furniture, mattresses, pressure washers and fuel cans.