Kraft Singles American Cheese Is Recalled Due to Problem With Plastic Wrapper

Six people reported choking on plastic that was stuck to the processed cheese

By Lisa L. Gill
Investigative Reporter

September 22, 2023

Kraft Heinz is recalling packages of 24- and 72-count individually wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices—83,000 cases in all—because an extra piece of plastic may remain adhered to the slice even after the wrapper has been removed.

The company said in a statement that it received several consumer complaints. In six cases, consumers said they choked or gagged on the leftover plastic. The problem, Kraft Heinz said, was with one of its wrapping machines and that it has since been fixed. “With any piece of complicated machinery there are adjustments to the rollers, belts, and other pieces of equipment, and if the adjustments are not just right or out of spec, it may not run correctly," says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety and testing at Consumer Reports. "Sometimes, as in this case, that can result in a food safety issue."

Lisa L. Gill

Lisa L. Gill is an award-winning investigative reporter. She has been at Consumer Reports since 2008, covering health and food safety—heavy metals in the food supply and foodborne illness—plus healthcare and prescription drug costs, medical debt, and credit scores. Lisa also testified before Congress and the Food and Drug Administration about her work on drug costs and drug safety. She lives in a DIY tiny home, where she gardens during the day and stargazes the Milky Way at night.