A California-based food company has launched a limited recall of its jarred peppers after a social media video showed what a consumer described as a dead baby mouse inside an opened jar.
The incident came to light after TikTok user @tiffany posted two videos showing her opening a 32-ounce jar of Mezzetta Golden Greek Peperoncini (Medium Heat) while preparing dinner. She then discovered a small rodent-like object inside. The videos quickly spread online, prompting the company to act.
According to a recall notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, G. L. Mezzetta Inc. is voluntarily recalling one lot of Mezzetta Golden Greek Peperoncini Medium Heat, 32 oz. The affected product carries SKU 10106328 and lot number 720106.
The FDA lists the reason for the recall as “presence of pest contaminant in the jar.” This means the product may contain foreign material, including rodent material.
The recall follows two TikTok videos posted on September 16. In the videos, a woman preparing a Mississippi-style pot roast holds a 32-ounce jar up to the camera and points to a small, dark object inside.
“There’s a dead baby mouse in my peperoncinis,” she says. She adds that she did not realize what it was until after she had already dipped her fingers into the jar and licked them.
She then holds the jar closer to the camera, allowing viewers to see the object inside the clear glass. Close-up shots appear to show the alleged rodent submerged among the peppers.
Meanwhile, Mezzetta told the FDA that it contacted the consumer who posted the videos. The company also said it moved quickly to investigate the complaint and isolate and remove the affected lot from sale.
Mezzetta has asked retail partners to pull the product from shelves. It has also advised consumers not to eat any jars from the recalled lot.
Internet Reacts to California Peperoncini Mouse Recall
The update was shared on X by @ExxAlerts, where commenters mixed jokes with doubts. One user wrote, “I’m sure there’s a recipe for pickled mice out there…. where’s half the jar of peppers and juice?” Another joked, “Extra protein, toss it in there with a little old bay!”
A third questioned the footage, saying, “Most of these are faked. I don’t think that mouse would look like that intact after being jarred in acidic liquid from the pepper/vinegar juice. I don’t know that for a fact but it seems like the mouse would still decompose some?”
Others chimed in. One user recalled, “Had a mouse in a bottle of Michelob back in the day.. got a free case of beer out of it… my lawyer said I did alright.” Another wrote, “The liquid in this prevents mold. Probably safe to eat.”
Meanwhile, one user went ahead with a warning, writing, “Trust me when I say, don’t buy ground coffee… Always grind your own beans. Thank me later.”
As of the FDA announcement, no illnesses or injuries had been reported in connection with the recalled jars. Mezzetta has instructed consumers who believe they have the affected product to stop using it and contact customer support.
