Clearwater, FL — Is Your Frozen Pizza Safe? Nationwide Recall Issued Over Salmonella Contamination

Clearwater, FL (May 5th, 2026) – Multiple frozen pizza brands sold at Walmart and Aldi have been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert. No confirmed illnesses have been reported as of May 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Eight frozen pizza and pork rind products from Walmart, Aldi, and other retailers are under public health alert for possible salmonella contamination 
• Affected brands include Great Value, Mama Cozzi’s, Culinary Circle, and Pork King Good 
• Consumers are urged not to eat any affected products, even if thoroughly cooked 

When you buy frozen food from a trusted retailer, you expect it to be safe. For Florida families shopping at Walmart and Aldi stores across Spring Hill, Clearwater, and the Tampa Bay area, a nationwide public health alert issued by the USDA has raised serious concerns about contaminated frozen pizzas and snack foods. 

USDA Issues Nationwide Alert for Contaminated Frozen Pizza Products

The affected products include frozen pizzas sold under the Great Value brand at Walmart and Mama Cozzi’s brand at Aldi, as well as Culinary Circle pizzas and Pork King Good pork rinds. All products were sold nationwide except for the Culinary Circle pizza, which was only available in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. 

Specific recalled items include Great Value Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Great Value Stuffed Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Mama Cozzi’s Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Pizza, and Mama Cozzi’s Biscuit Crust Pork Belly Crumbles Breakfast Pizza.  

Consumers who have purchased these products recalled for salmonella risk are urged not to consume them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. 

Who Is Legally Responsible When Contaminated Food Products Cause Illness?

When contaminated food products reach consumers, multiple parties may share responsibility. In cases involving claims for defective products, liability can extend throughout the supply chain.

Manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe for consumption. When they use contaminated food products or fail to properly test ingredients, they may be held accountable for resulting harm. Distributors and retailers also carry responsibility for the products they sell to Florida consumers.

Product liability cases involving foodborne illness require establishing that the product was defective, that the defect caused injury, and that the injury resulted in damages. Unlike some recalls where contamination is identified before widespread illness occurs, victims who do become sick may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Understanding Salmonella Risks and Who Faces the Greatest Danger

Salmonella bacteria are a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Symptoms typically begin within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most healthy individuals recover without treatment. 

However, the impact can be severe for vulnerable populations. Young children, adults over age 65, and people with weakened immune systems face significantly greater risk of severe illness and may require hospitalization. For these individuals, what begins as stomach discomfort can escalate into a serious medical emergency requiring intensive care. 

The economic impact extends beyond medical bills. Families impacted by a salmonella outbreak face consequences, including lost income from missed work, childcare costs during recovery, and ongoing medical monitoring. When a parent or caregiver becomes seriously ill, the entire household feels the effects.

For Spring Hill and Clearwater residents who have consumed these recalled products and experienced symptoms, documenting your illness and seeking medical attention creates an important record. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact their healthcare provider. 

What to Do If You Got Sick from a Recalled Frozen Pizza

If you or a family member became ill after consuming a recalled frozen pizza product, take immediate action. First, seek medical care and ensure your healthcare provider documents your symptoms and treatment. Keep receipts, packaging, and any remaining product as evidence.

Second, report your illness. Consumers can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov. You can also file a complaint through the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System. 

Third, understand your legal options. Companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell defective products have a responsibility to compensate victims for their harm when suing for defective product injuries. 

Florida law gives injured consumers the right to pursue compensation when defective products cause harm. The legal process involves investigating how the contamination occurred, identifying responsible parties, and building a case that demonstrates both liability and damages. This requires legal knowledge and resources that most individuals do not possess on their own.

If you or someone you love became sick after eating a recalled frozen pizza, contact Light & Wyatt Law Group at 727-499-9900for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout the Tampa Bay area and work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I already ate a recalled frozen pizza?

If you consumed a recalled product and are experiencing symptoms consistent with salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider without delay. Vulnerable individuals, particularly young children and the elderly, should not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking medical attention, as salmonella illness can escalate quickly in those groups. Document your illness and keep any remaining product packaging as evidence. 

Can I get compensation if a contaminated frozen pizza made me sick?

Yes. When defective products cause injury, victims have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Product liability cases require proving that the product was defective, that it caused your illness, and that you suffered harm as a result. An experienced defective product lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options.

How long do I have to file a claim for foodborne illness in Florida?

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim for foodborne illness. Claims involving recalled products, like contaminated frozen pizza, may also fall under product liability law, which can allow up to four years to file. The exact deadline depends on how the claim is structured, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. 

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association