Australians are being urged to check their freezers after McCain Foods (Aust) Pty Ltd issued a nationwide recall for McCain Cheese & Bacon Pizza Pockets (400g) following reports of foreign material in the product. The recall, published on Friday, 12 December 2025, covers items sold through major supermarkets and online deliveries across the country.
The warning is straightforward: do not eat the affected pizza pockets. Food safety authorities say food products containing plastic and/or metal can cause illness or injury if consumed, and the product should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
What’s been recalled—and why it matters
According to the official recall notice published by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), McCain Cheese & Bacon Pizza Pockets 400g are being recalled due to the presence of foreign matter (plastic, metal).
Media reports indicate the recall was triggered after a consumer found plastic inside one of the pizza pockets, prompting an urgent response and national pullback.
While the original report involved plastic, McCain has indicated it is treating the issue cautiously. In a statement reported by 7NEWS, the company said that although no metal was identified by the consumer, it is “not ruling out that small traces of metal may also be present.” 7NEWS
How to identify the affected McCain Pizza Pockets 400g
If you have McCain Pizza Pockets at home, don’t assume every box is included—this recall applies to specific date markings and a specific batch code.
Here’s what to look for:
- Product name: McCain Cheese & Bacon Pizza Pockets
- Pack size: 400g (commonly a 4-pack)
- Date markings (BEST BEFORE):OCT 2026 A with codes (289, 290, 291)
- Batch code:1005481714
Important note on batch code confusion
7NEWS reported that McCain initially cited a different batch code, then clarified that the recall relates to batch code 1005481714 (not the earlier code mentioned). If you saw conflicting posts earlier in the day, use 1005481714 and the OCT 2026 A (289–291) best-before markings as your primary identifiers.
Where the recalled product was sold
FSANZ says the recalled pizza pockets were available for sale at:
- Woolworths
- Coles
- Independent retailers including IGA
- Nationally and online (including online grocery orders and deliveries)
9News also reported the recall affects consumers in all Australian states and territories where the product has been sold.
What shoppers should do right now
Authorities and the company are giving consistent advice:
- Do not eat the product if it matches the recalled markings.
- Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- If you’re worried about health effects, seek medical advice.
For further information, FSANZ lists McCain’s consumer contact details as:
- Phone: 1800 000 422
- Email: customerservice@mccain.com.au
What McCain has said about the recall
McCain has apologised for the inconvenience and says it is working with authorities and retailers to ensure the recall is conducted quickly and thoroughly.
The company has also emphasised consumer safety in its response, with 9News reporting McCain said it takes the safety and wellbeing of consumers seriously.
Why “foreign material” recalls are treated seriously
When regulators use the term foreign matter, they mean something that shouldn’t be in food—often material introduced through packaging damage, manufacturing faults, or supply-chain issues.
In this case, FSANZ warns that food containing plastic and/or metal may cause illness or injury if consumed. Even when the likelihood of harm is unclear, authorities typically act conservatively because risks can include:
- injury to the mouth or throat
- choking hazards
- internal injury in worst-case scenarios
That’s why recall notices tend to be blunt: don’t eat it, return it.
A quick freezer check can prevent a bigger problem
McCain Pizza Pockets are a popular “quick meal” item—often bought in multipacks and stored for weeks. That’s what makes recalls like this easy to miss: you may not notice the announcement until the day you go looking for something fast to heat up.
The recall notice image shows the product in a red McCain Pizza Pockets box labelled “Cheese & Bacon” and marked as a 400g pack. If you’ve got a similar box at home, verify the best-before markings and batch code before you cook it. Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Is every McCain Pizza Pocket included in the recall?
No. The recall applies to McCain Cheese & Bacon Pizza Pockets 400g with BEST BEFORE OCT 2026 A (289, 290, 291), and reports identify batch code 1005481714.
Can I just cook it longer to make it safe?
No. This is not a bacteria/allergen issue where cooking might reduce risk. The concern is foreign material (plastic/metal), and cooking does not remove that hazard. Follow the recall instructions: do not eat and return for a refund.
What if I already ate it?
FSANZ advises that anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
How to stay across Australian food recalls
FSANZ maintains a national list of recall alerts and publishes consumer guidance whenever a recall is issued. For shoppers, the most practical habit is to periodically check recall updates—especially if you regularly buy frozen convenience foods and pantry staples.
Bottom line: If you have McCain Cheese & Bacon Pizza Pockets 400g at home, take 30 seconds to check the best-before markings and batch code—and if it matches the recall, don’t eat it. Return it for a refund and follow the official advice.
