Farm Rich frozen quesadillas, pizza, snacks recalled due to E. coli risk

A New York food company is recalling 196,000 pounds of frozen quesadillas, pizza slices and mozzarella bites because they may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

Rich Products Corp. initiated the recall of its Farm Rich frozen snacks after reports of illness from consumers in several states. A sample of a Farm Rich frozen chicken mini quesadilla product from a New York case tested positive for E. coli, the food safety agency said.

The recalled products were produced between Nov. 12, 2012, and Nov. 19, 2012, and distributed for sale nationwide. Federal regulators and the company, based in Buffalo, N.Y., are concerned that some of the products may still be in consumers’ freezers.

Farm Rich quesadillas are sold in Southern California Walmart stores. Farm Rich mozzarella bites are sold at Ralphs, Vons and Pavilions stores in Southern California. The possibly contaminated quesadillas have a “best by” date of May 14, 2014. The recalled mozzarella bites have a “best by” date of May 19, 2014.

The products contain cooking instructions that, if followed, will destroy the bacteria, the company said. Still, as a precaution, consumers are asked to dispose of any of these products.

Consumers can call the company’s consumer line at (888) 220-5955 for more information. Rich Products is offering coupons for replacement products.

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