Update, August 26, 2020: Nearly a month after an initial recall of Hostess Raspberry Zingers, the recall is expanding to include more of the product. The fear is that some of the best-by dates are incorrect and that the Raspberry Zingers will produce mold prior to the date printed on the packaging.
On July 22, 11 batches of the packages snack were recalled. Now, several more batches that include single-serve, three-count, and multi-serving frozen packs are a part of the recall. To determine if any of the snacks in your possession are affected, check out the list of item numbers and best-by dates now available on the FDA's website.
The affected Raspberry Zingers were distributed widely across the United States to mass merchandisers, grocery stores, distributors, dollar and discount stores, and convenience stores. This recall still does not include any other Hostess brand products.
Original Post, July 22, 2020: Buy any Hostess Raspberry Zingers lately? If so, wait a minute before you dig in, because the brand recalled 11 batches of the snack as they might develop mold prior to the best-by date.
A recall notice posted on the U.S. Food & Drug Association's website outlines all of the late August best-by dates and product variations that have been recalled. It includes fresh and frozen Raspberry Zingers in multi-packs and single-serve options with best-by dates that range from August 26-29. The frozen options don't have best-by dates, so anyone who has purchased those recently can focus on the item UPC, AKA the barcode and batch number. See below for the full list:
“The products were sold to mass merchandisers, grocery stores, distributors, dollar and discount stores, and convenience stores throughout the United States,” according to the notice: “Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to discontinue consumption and contact the place of purchase about returning them for a full refund.”
For some products, you might not even need to look at the best-by date, because the snack will say it all. One Twitter user shared a photo of the Raspberry Zingers they purchased that seemingly ended up having mold on them.
The recall doesn’t affect any other Hostess products, so you’re safe to keep eating S’mores CupCakes, mini blueberry muffins, Twinkies, HoHos, Donettes, and whatever other Hostess snack you desire (ideally, before the best-by date!).
