Hot Pockets Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Hot Pockets Lawsuit Overview

The Hot Pockets lawsuits center on Nestlé Prepared Foods’ recall of approximately 762,615 pounds of Pepperoni Hot Pockets contaminated with glass and hard plastic fragments.

Multiple consumers reported finding these dangerous foreign objects in their products, with at least one case involving oral injuries.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) classified this as a Class I recall, indicating a high risk of serious adverse health consequences or death.

Latest Hot Pockets Lawsuit Updates

• January 26, 2025 – Schmidt & Clark, LLP continues to accept new injury cases related to Hot Pockets contamination across all 50 states. The firm is assisting consumers who suffered injuries, such as oral injuries, due to glass and hard plastic fragments found in Pepperoni Hot Pockets.
• January 16, 2021 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a Class I recall for approximately 762,615 pounds of Pepperoni Hot Pockets due to contamination with glass and hard plastic fragments. This Class I recall indicates a high health risk, with the potential to cause serious injury or death [1].
• January 15, 2021 – Nestlé Prepared Foods received multiple consumer complaints regarding glass and hard plastic fragments found in Pepperoni Hot Pockets, including one confirmed report of a minor oral injury.

FSIS Reports and Statistics

On January 15, 2021, FSIS announced a recall of approximately 762,615 pounds of Hot Pockets.

The recall involves 54-ounce cartons labeled:

• “Nestlé Hot Pockets Brand Sandwiches: Premium Pepperoni Made with Pork, Chicken & Beef Pizza, Garlic Buttery Crust.”

These products have a “Best Before” date of February 2022 and include the following lot codes:

• 0318544624
• 0319544614
• 0320544614
• 0321544614

The affected packages also display the establishment number “EST. 7721A” inside the USDA inspection mark.

Nestlé received four consumer complaints about contamination with glass and hard plastic in these Hot Pockets, including one report of a minor oral injury.

Hot Pockets Injuries & Side Effects

Consuming Hot Pockets contaminated with glass or hard plastic fragments can lead to several serious health complications requiring immediate medical attention.

• Choking Hazards: Small fragments may obstruct airways, posing life-threatening risks.
• Internal Lacerations: Sharp edges from glass or plastic can cut the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
• Swallowing Difficulty: Discomfort or pain while swallowing may suggest esophageal injury.
• Abdominal Pain: Severe or persistent stomach pain could indicate internal damage.
• Bleeding: Unusual bleeding from the mouth or rectum requiring emergency care.

Do You Qualify for a Hot Pockets Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Hot Pockets lawsuit if:

• You purchased and consumed “Nestlé HOT POCKETS BRAND SANDWICHES: PREMIUM PEPPERONI MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN & BEEF PIZZA GARLIC BUTTER CRUST” with a Best Before Date of February 2022.
• The product had one of these lot codes: 0318544624, 0319544614, 0320544614, or 0321544614.
• You experienced injuries such as oral lacerations, internal cuts, choking, or digestive issues.
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Hot Pockets consumption.

Evidence Required for a Hot Pockets Lawsuit

• Proof of Purchase: Receipts or any documentation showing you bought the affected Hot Pockets.
• Product Packaging: Photos of packaging showing lot numbers, expiration dates, and any visible contamination.
• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries or illnesses linked to consumption of contaminated Hot Pockets.
• Injury Documentation: Photographs and descriptions of injuries such as oral cuts or broken teeth.
• Communication Logs: Records of all interactions with Nestlé, retailers, or customer service representatives.

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical Costs: Coverage for all healthcare expenses, including emergency room visits and follow-up care.
• Dental Treatment: Compensation for dental injuries caused by glass or plastic in the product.
• Lost Income: Reimbursement for wages lost due to health issues from consuming contaminated Hot Pockets.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.
• Product Refunds: Full reimbursement for the recalled Hot Pockets.

Hot Pockets Recall Information

Recall Date: January 16, 2021

Products Affected:

• 54-oz. carton packages containing 12 “Nestlé HOT POCKETS BRAND SANDWICHES: PREMIUM PEPPERONI MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN & BEEF PIZZA GARLIC BUTTER CRUST”
• Best Before Date: February 2022
• Lot Codes: 0318544624, 0319544614, 0320544614, and 0321544614
• Establishment Number: “EST. 7721A” inside the USDA inspection mark

“The quality, safety, and integrity of Nestlé USA and Hot Pockets products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.”- Nestlé.

Statute of Limitations for Hot Pockets Lawsuits

The time to file a claim depends on your state’s laws, which typically range from 1 to 6 years for food contamination cases.

Given the January 2021 recall date, affected consumers should consult with an attorney promptly to ensure their claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.

Related Articles:

• Keoki’s Kalua Brand Pork Lawsuit
• Newman-O’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Recall
• Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough Case

FAQs

1. Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured after consuming Hot Pockets?

Yes, if you were injured after consuming contaminated Hot Pockets, you may file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Compensation could cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

2. What evidence is needed to support a lawsuit?

To support your lawsuit, you’ll need medical records confirming the injury, purchase receipts, documentation of the defective product, and possibly laboratory testing of the Hot Pockets. Any communication with healthcare providers or Nestlé will also be important.

3. Who can be held liable in a lawsuit involving contaminated Hot Pockets?

Liability can extend to the manufacturer (Nestlé Prepared Foods), suppliers, distributors, and potentially retailers involved in the production and distribution of the affected products.

4. How do I know if my Hot Pockets are affected?

Check if your Hot Pockets package is 54 oz and labeled “Pepperoni Hot Pockets” with a “Best Before February 2022” date. Look for lot codes 0318544624, 0319544614, 0320544614, or 0321544614 and establishment number “EST. 7721A.”

5. What if I’ve already eaten them?

If you ate a recalled Hot Pocket, monitor for symptoms like cuts, pain while swallowing, or abdominal discomfort. If symptoms appear, contact a doctor immediately and mention the product recall.

6. What if I no longer have the packaging?

If you no longer have the packaging, use receipts, bank statements, or medical records to prove your purchase or health impact. A lawyer can help with filing your claim.

7. How long do I have to file a claim?

The time to file depends on your state’s laws, typically ranging from 1 to 6 years. Contact a food contamination lawyer quickly to meet deadlines.

8. What compensation can I expect?

Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a refund for the product. A lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue fair compensation.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Hot Pockets Lawsuit Evaluation From Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Hot Pockets contamination injuries. Most states have strict statutes of limitations that may give you only 1-2 years from the date of injury to file your claim.

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

Our experienced team of trial lawyers focuses on representing plaintiffs in Hot Pockets Lawsuits nationwide and is currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.

Reference: 

1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/nestle-prepared-foods-recalls-not-ready-eat-pepperoni-hot-pockets-product-due