CALIFORNIA — G. L. Mezzetta Inc. issued a voluntary recall for 32-ounce jars of Mezzetta Golden Greek Peperoncini Medium Heat. The recall was initiated after a video circulated on social media showing a potential pest contaminant in the product.

The company acknowledged the online footage and outlined its response in an official statement. "We're aware of a video circulating on social media showing a potential pest contaminant in a jar of Mezzetta GOLDEN GREEK PEPERONCINI MEDIUM HEAT, 32-ounce," Mezzetta said. "We have contacted the consumer and have moved quickly to investigate the situation and initiate a voluntary recall."

The TikTok videos had accumulated over 680,000 views as of Sunday afternoon. The TikTok user was based in Houston, Texas, and the contaminated product was sold at Houston-area retailers including H-E-B, Walmart, and Target.

Mezzetta identified customers who received the recalled product and is working with them to isolate and remove it from sale. The company also asked retail partners to remove the affected products from their shelves. The product is sold in stores at H-E-B, Walmart, Target, and Randalls locations. It is also sold online through Walmart, Target, Albertsons, Kroger, and the Mezzetta website.

Mezzetta requested the original contaminated product from the consumer to review as part of its investigation. The company is assessing relevant production, sanitation, and food-safety records as part of its ongoing investigation. Mezzetta stated it has not received any reports of illness or injury related to the product.

The recall applies to lot number 720106 with SKU 10106328. No other Mezzetta products or lots were included in the recall. Mezzetta advised consumers not to eat the product and to contact customer support at customersupport@mezzetta.com.

Why It Matters

The incident shows the role of social media in identifying potential food safety issues and prompting corporate action. Mezzetta Inc. has been in operation for over a century, with a history of food safety practices including SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) plans to ensure product safety. The company identified and isolated the affected product (lot 720106) within 3 days of the initial consumer report, demonstrating its ability to trace distribution through detailed production and sales records.

Timeline

On September 16, a TikTok user posted videos claiming to find a dead rodent in a jar of the product. The TikTok videos were posted by user @reizargt, who said, "There's a dead baby mouse in my peperoncinis." The consumer discovered the contaminant while preparing a Mississippi-style pot roast.

What's New

Additional reporting indicates that the TikTok user @reizargt, who posted the viral videos, was based in Houston, Texas, and the contaminated product was sold at Houston-area retailers including H-E-B, Walmart, and Target.

Mezzetta identified and isolated the affected product (lot 720106) within 3 days of the initial consumer report, demonstrating its ability to trace distribution through detailed production and sales records. The TikTok videos were posted by user @reizargt. Mezzetta is assessing relevant production, sanitation, and food-safety records as part of its ongoing investigation.