The Aldi macaroni and cheese recall soy lecithin issue has resulted in the removal of more than half a million packages from shelves nationwide. BEF Foods Inc., the product maker, initiated the voluntary recall in March 2026. Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration classified it as a Class II recall on June 10. Furthermore, the affected product is Aldi’s Park St. Deli Macaroni and Cheese sold in 20-ounce packages. Consequently, any consumer who purchased this product should check the packaging immediately against the codes listed below.
The recall covers 58,405 cases of the product. Each case contains nine 20-ounce packages, bringing the total to 525,645 individual packages affected. Moreover, the FDA’s data page confirms that these packages were distributed to Aldi locations across the entire United States. Consequently, no specific region is excluded and shoppers in all states should check their homes for the recalled product.
What the FDA Class II classification means
The FDA defines a Class II recall as a situation where the use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Moreover, a Class II recall also applies when the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote. Furthermore, soy is one of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA, meaning its presence in a product must be clearly declared on the label.
Consumers with soy allergies or sensitivities face real health risks when soy ingredients appear in products without proper disclosure. Moreover, for most consumers without soy allergies, the presence of soy lecithin in macaroni and cheese does not pose a health concern. Additionally, the FDA’s classification reflects the fact that while severe reactions are unlikely for the general population, those with known allergies require complete transparency on product labels to make safe food choices. Consequently, BEF Foods initiated the voluntary recall as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable consumers.
The full list of recalled product codes
The Aldi macaroni and cheese recall soy issue covers 31 specific product codes. Consumers should check the packaging on any Park St. Deli Macaroni and Cheese 20-ounce packages in their home against the following codes:
SUL4839705, SUL4839706, SUL4853771, SUL4853772, SUL4854698, SUL4854700, SUL4854701, SUL4855698, SUL4855699, SUL4855700, SUL4857735, SUL4857736, SUL4857737, SUL4857784, SUL4857785, SUL4866750, SUL4866751, SUL4866752, SUL4866781, SUL4866782, SUL4866783, SUL4866784, SUL4872813, SUL4872814, SUL4872815, SUL4873787, SUL4873788, SUL4886739, SUL4886740, SUL4887698, SUL4887699
Moreover, any package matching one of these codes should not be consumed. Additionally, consumers should return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely. Consequently, the safest course of action is to verify the code on any Park St. Deli macaroni and cheese purchased from Aldi in recent months before eating it.
What soy lecithin is and why it matters
Soy lecithin is a common food additive derived from soybeans. Food manufacturers use it widely as an emulsifier to help oil and water-based ingredients blend together smoothly. Moreover, it appears in products like salad dressings, chocolate, and processed foods because of its ability to create consistent textures. Additionally, Judy Simon, a clinical dietitian nutritionist at the University of Washington, previously explained to USA TODAY that soy lecithin keeps ingredients like oil and water combined rather than separating in the final product.
Lecithin itself is a group of chemicals that the body naturally uses to move fats. Moreover, it appears naturally in foods such as egg yolks, soybeans, wheat germ, peanuts, and liver. Furthermore, some people take lecithin as a supplement in capsule, liquid, or granule form. Consequently, the ingredient is not harmful for most consumers but requires clear labeling because soy is a recognized major food allergen under FDA regulations.
USA TODAY reached out to Aldi and BEF Foods for comment. No news release was issued when the recall was initially initiated in March. Moreover, the FDA’s classification came several months after the voluntary recall began. Additionally, the delay between the voluntary recall and the public FDA classification is not unusual in the food recall process. Consequently, some consumers may have purchased the affected product without being aware of the recall during that window.
Source: USA TODAY
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