Important Food Safety Alert: Saint Francis Apizza LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Frozen Pizzas Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen
Important Food Safety Alert: Saint Francis Apizza LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Frozen Pizzas Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen
What You Need to Know About the October 2026 Recall
On October 1, 2026, Saint Francis Apizza LLC announced a voluntary recall of several frozen pizza varieties due to a critical labeling issue that could pose serious health risks to consumers with soy allergies. The recall, which was subsequently published by the FDA on October 3, 2026, affects Pepperoni, Plain Cheese, Supreme, and Mushroom and Onion frozen pizzas distributed across Ohio and Kentucky. This incident serves as an important reminder of the significance of accurate food labeling and the steps companies must take to protect vulnerable consumers.
Understanding the Recall: The Core Issue
The fundamental problem at the heart of this recall is straightforward yet serious: the frozen pizzas contain soy ingredients, specifically soybean oil and soy lecithin that were not properly declared on the product labels. For the estimated 1-2% of Americans who have a soy allergy, undeclared allergens represent a potentially life-threatening concern. Soy lecithin, in particular, is a common food additive used in pizza production to improve texture and consistency, making this an especially relevant oversight in frozen pizza manufacturing.
While soy is one of the eight major food allergens regulated by the FDA, mistakes in labeling and ingredient declaration do occasionally occur during production and packaging processes. When they do, companies have a responsibility to act quickly and comprehensively to remove affected products from the marketplace and notify consumers of the potential danger.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets four frozen pizza varieties produced by Saint Francis Apizza LLC:
- Pepperoni
- Plain Cheese
- Supreme
- Mushroom and Onion
These products were primarily distributed through specialty food retailers, independent grocers, and online channels across the Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio area, as well as parts of Northern Kentucky. The relatively limited distribution through independent retailers rather than major national chains has likely contained the scope of potential exposure.
Where Were These Products Sold?
Saint Francis Apizza LLC has identified the following retail locations where affected products were sold:
Ohio Locations:
- ETC Produce and Provisions (two Cincinnati locations)
- Daylily Deli in Cincinnati
- Harvest Market in Milford
- Boards and Beez in Cincinnati
- Madison's at Findlay Market in Cincinnati
- Urban Stead Cheese in Cincinnati
- The Farm on Central in Carlisle
Ohio and Kentucky:
- Tony and Pete's in Dayton, Ohio
- Taste Cellar and Pantry in Fort Thomas, Kentucky
- Golden Gelato in Covington, Kentucky
Additionally, the pizzas were available for purchase directly through the company's online platform at cincyfavorites.com.
The Health Implications
Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products as of the recall announcement date, the potential health risks cannot be understated. For individuals with soy allergies or sensitivities, consuming these unlabeled products could trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms of soy allergies can include:
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Hives or skin reactions
- Swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention and administration of epinephrine. For individuals with known soy allergies who rely on accurate food labels to make safe dietary choices, the presence of undeclared soy in frozen pizzas represents an unacceptable risk.
What Consumers Should Do
If you have purchased any of the affected Saint Francis Apizza LLC frozen pizzas, the company recommends the following actions:
Do Not Consume the Products. If you or anyone in your household has a soy allergy or sensitivity, do not eat the pizza. Even individuals without known soy allergies should exercise caution, as allergies can sometimes develop or go undiagnosed.
Discard or Return the Products. Consumers should either dispose of the pizzas safely or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. Returning products to retail locations may be the most practical option for many consumers.
Seek Medical Attention if Symptoms Occur. Individuals who believe they have consumed the affected pizza and are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
Contacting Saint Francis Apizza LLC
The company has designated Alex Plattner as the primary contact for consumer inquiries and concerns related to the recall. Consumers with questions about whether their purchased pizza is subject to the recall, or those seeking guidance on the refund process, can reach the company at:
Phone: 971-221-7086
The company has committed to providing full refunds for affected products and has made themselves available to answer questions from concerned consumers.
Why This Recall Matters
This recall underscores several important points about food safety and corporate responsibility:
1. The Critical Importance of Accurate Labeling
Food manufacturers have a legal and ethical obligation to accurately list all ingredients, including allergens, on product labels. This is not a matter of convenience or preference it is a fundamental consumer protection measure. Individuals with allergies depend on accurate labeling to make safe choices about what they eat.
2. The Value of Voluntary Recalls
When a company discovers a labeling error or safety issue, voluntarily initiating a recall demonstrates commitment to consumer safety and helps prevent potential harm. The FDA encourages this proactive approach.
3. The Prevalence of Food Allergies
With millions of Americans managing food allergies, the food industry must maintain rigorous quality control and verification processes to prevent mislabeling or cross-contamination.
Conclusion
The Saint Francis Apizza LLC frozen pizza recall serves as a timely reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance, both on the part of manufacturers and consumers. While the recall affected a limited geographic area and product distribution network, it highlights how quickly and effectively companies can respond when safety issues are identified.
For consumers in the affected areas, particularly those with soy allergies, taking the recommended precautions discarding the products, seeking refunds, and remaining alert for any symptoms is essential. For the broader food industry, this recall reinforces the necessity of thorough quality control processes and careful attention to allergen declaration requirements.
Anyone with additional questions about this recall is encouraged to contact Saint Francis Apizza LLC directly or visit the FDA website for further information about food recalls and allergen safety.