Tomato Paste Recalled for Potential Can Damage That Can Result in Mold Growth

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is recalling a particular lot of its Hunt’s Tomato Paste No Salt Added six ounce cans after complaints were received for mold.  According to the FDA release,  "After the canning process, the final product could have been damaged, creating the potential for mold.  Conagra Brands became aware of the issue after receiving calls from consumers."

So it appears the can had damage  which provided the opportunity for mold (and air) to get into the can.  Since the product is high acid (low pH), mold is the type type of organism that would be most likely to grow.  The damage does not have to be something that is noticeable, even as small as a pin hole will provide enough for microorganisms to get inside.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm635309.htm
Conagra Brands Announces Recall of a Limited Amount of Hunt’s Tomato Paste Cans Due to Potential Presence of Mold
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019
Contact
Consumers Conagra Brands Consumer Care  https://www.hunts.com 1-888-280-0301
Media. Dan Hare   daniel.hare@conagra.com  312-549-5355

Announcement

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of Hunt’s Tomato Paste No Salt Added six ounce cans. After the canning process, the final product could have been damaged, creating the potential for mold.Conagra Brands became aware of the issue after receiving calls from consumers.
The products covered by this recall were distributed for retail sale in the U.S. The specific product information is listed below. Given the product may contain mold, consumers are advised not to use it and to either throw it away or return it to the store where originally purchased.

Item Description Case UPC Item UPC Case Batch/Lot Code Item Batch/Lot Code Best By Date
HNT PSTE TOM NSA 12/6Z 00-0-27000-38809-9 00-0-27000-38807-5 5291902510 2105902510 OCT 16
2020
No other Hunt’s products or Conagra Brands' products are impacted by this recall.
Conagra Brands has informed the FDA of this recall and is working with customers to ensure the impacted product is removed from store shelves and is no longer distributed. Consumers with questions should call our Conagra Brands Consumer Care team at 1-888-280-0301, open 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or visit https://www.hunts.com.