🚨 The Urgent Health Alert
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued an urgent public health alert for a popular pasta product sold at Costco due to a severe labeling and packaging error that poses a life-threatening risk to consumers with shellfish allergies.
🍝 The Affected Product
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Brand: Giovanni Rana
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Product Name: Rustic Beef Sauce & Creamy Burrata Cheese Ravioli
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The Problem: The product is labeled as beef and burrata, but due to a manufacturing error, the packages may actually contain shrimp filling in lobster sauce.
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USDA Inspection Mark: Est. 44870
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Use-By Dates: May 14, 2026, to June 25, 2026.
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Distribution: Shipped to Costco stores in Maryland and New Jersey.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the alert for Giovanni Rana Rustic Beef Sauce & Creamy Burrata Cheese Ravioli (stock image)
Why is it an “Alert” and not a “Recall”? A formal recall has not been requested because the product is no longer actively available for purchase in stores. However, the FSIS issued the alert because the product has a long shelf-life and is likely sitting in consumers’ freezers.
The error was discovered after the FSIS received two direct consumer complaints reporting the discrepancy. To date, no adverse reactions or illnesses have been reported.
⚠️ The Danger: Hidden Shellfish
Shrimp and lobster are both classified as shellfish. Roughly 3% of Americans (8.5 million people) suffer from a shellfish allergy.
Consuming hidden shellfish can trigger a rapid, life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
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Symptoms of Anaphylaxis: Hives, severe itching, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, throat swelling, and severe trouble breathing.
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Immediate Action Required: Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) and emergency medical care.
🛒 What Consumers Should Do
If you have purchased the Giovanni Rana Rustic Beef Sauce & Creamy Burrata Cheese Ravioli from Costco in Maryland or New Jersey:
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Check Your Freezer: Look for the specific use-by dates (May 14 – June 25, 2026) and the USDA mark (Est. 44870).
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Do Not Consume: If you or anyone in your household has a shellfish allergy, absolutely do not eat this product.
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Dispose or Return: The FSIS strongly urges consumers to throw the product away immediately or return it to your local Costco for a full refund.
