Video of dead mouse in jar prompts recall of California-made pantry staple

A California-based food company recalled a popular grocery item after a consumer reported finding a dead mouse in a jar.

Read more Sacramento-area record store to open second location in region. Here’s where

The company pulled the pantry staple from store shelves because it “may contain foreign objects such as (a) pest contaminant,” according to a recall notice shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide, including in California.

Here’s what shoppers need to know:

Which food product was recalled in California? Why?

American Canyon-based G. L. Mezzetta Inc. recalled one lot of its Golden Greek Peperoncini Medium Heat on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The company said it issued the voluntary recall after learning about a “potential pest contaminant,” according to the FDA.

“We’re aware of a video circulating on social media showing a potential pest contaminant in a jar,” the company said in its Sept. 26 recall notice. “We have contacted the consumer and have moved quickly to investigate the situation and initiate a voluntary recall.”

The video was posted on Tiktok on Sept. 16 as a “public service announcement.”

“Don’t buy this brand of peperoncinis. I have a dead mouse in mine,” the Tiktok user, identified only as Tiffany, says in the video.

As of Saturday, Mezzetta said it received “no reports of illness or injury” in connection to the product.

How can I tell if I bought recalled peppers?

According to the FDA, the recall applies only to a specific product and lot:

• Product name: Mezzetta Golden Greek Peperoncini Medium Heat
• Size: 32 ounces
• SKU: 10106328
• Lot: 720106

Consumers should check the jar and compare the product and lot information with the recall details before eating it.

Where were the recalled peppers sold?

Mezzetta said the recalled lot was distributed nationwide, including to customers in California.

The company did not publicly identify the specific stores or retailers that received the affected lot.

Read more CA player comes 1 number short of top Mega Millions prize. Where was ticket sold?

Mezzetta said it has “detailed production and distribution records” and has identified customers that received products from the recalled lot.

“Food safety is our highest priority,” the company said. “Our facilities follow established programs for sanitation, pest control, product quality and traceability designed to protect our products throughout production and distribution.”

What should I do with recalled food?

If you bought the recalled product, do not eat it, according to the FDA.

If you have a 32-ounce jar of Mezzetta Golden Greek Peperoncini Medium Heat, the FDA said, contact Mezzetta at [email protected] for assistance.

The FDA said no other Mezzetta products or lots are included in this recall based on the information currently available.

Which other food and drinks have been recalled in California?

The Mezzetta recall is one of several food and consumer-product recalls affecting California shoppers.

From grocery items and beverages to pet products, consumers should check recent recall notices before using products they have purchased.

Here are some other recalls affecting California consumers:

• Frozen pasta for listeria contamination
• Baking staples due to undeclared allergen
• Cheese recalled for “serious” health risk
• Ready-to-eat meat for listeria risk
• Halloween chocolate with undeclared allergen
• Tofu recalled for ink contamination
• Glass in frozen fruit bars
• Meat products not properly inspected
• Frozen meat recalled for hard plastic pieces

This story was originally published September 30, 2026 at 12:46 PM.