Hodo Tofu Recall Expands Across 29 States Over Packaging Ink Concern

A voluntary tofu recall involving more than 10,000 cases of Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu has been announced after the company discovered that printing ink from the product’s packaging may have migrated into the food.

Consumers in 29 states are being advised to check their refrigerators and pantries for affected packages of Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu following a voluntary recall by Hodo Inc., a plant-based food manufacturer based in Oakland, California.

The recall affects 10,570 cases of the refrigerated tofu product, according to information released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company said the recall was initiated after it observed discoloration during the scale-up of a new product and subsequently conducted additional testing.

Why Is Hodo Chili Crisp Tofu Being Recalled?

Hodo said certain production lots of its Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu may have been affected by migration of printing ink from the product's printed film packaging into the tofu.

The recalled product carries UPC 850565007842.

According to the company, the issue was discovered after discoloration was noticed during production. Hodo then tested additional samples packaged in the same type of printed film and found what appeared to be similar results.

The company is also examining whether factors such as chili oil and heat could have played a role in the potential migration of material from the packaging into the food.

At this time, Hodo has stated that no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled tofu.

The FDA has classified the situation as a chemical contamination concern and advises consumers to pay attention to the affected product information.

How Much Tofu Is Included in the Recall?

The recall covers a significant quantity of Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu.

The product is sold in 8-ounce packages. According to the recall information, 10,084 cases contain six individual units per case, while another 486 cases contain 30 units per case.

The affected tofu was distributed between January 16 and July 16 through wholesalers, retail outlets and direct-to-consumer sales.

Because the product was distributed across a wide geographic area, consumers are encouraged to carefully check any Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu they may have purchased during the affected distribution period.

Which States Are Affected by the Hodo Tofu Recall?

The recalled Hodo tofu was distributed in 29 states.

The affected states are:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• North Carolina
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Consumers in these states who purchased Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu should compare their product against the recall information before eating it.

What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Hodo Tofu?

Consumers who believe they have an affected package should not eat the product.

Hodo recommends returning recalled Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu to the location where it was purchased. The company says consumers can request a full refund through the original retailer.

Hodo is also offering a voucher or coupon option for consumers who qualify. The voucher can be used toward a replacement product.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Hodo directly through the company's customer support channels.

It is important to follow the company's recall instructions rather than attempting to remove or clean the packaging yourself. If you have already consumed the recalled product and develop concerning symptoms, consider contacting a healthcare professional for appropriate medical advice.

Are Other Hodo Tofu Products Affected?

Hodo has emphasized that the recall is limited to the specified Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu production lots.

The company says its other tofu products are not affected by this recall and remain safe for consumption according to its current information.

Hodo is known for producing a variety of plant-based foods and tofu products. Some of its products are sold through major retailers, while its tofu is also used in foodservice applications.

The company supplies Sofritas to Chipotle restaurants, while other Hodo tofu products are available through retailers including Whole Foods Markets, Meijer and Wegmans.

That connection has attracted attention to the recall, but consumers should not assume that all Hodo products or Chipotle menu items are part of the recall. The current recall specifically concerns the identified Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu product and production lots.

What Is Sofritas at Chipotle?

Sofritas is a plant-based menu option served at Chipotle. It consists of shredded tofu prepared with seasonings and a spicy braising sauce.

Although Hodo supplies tofu used for Sofritas, the current recall does not mean that all Sofritas or all Hodo products have been recalled.

Consumers should distinguish between the recalled retail product, Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu, and other tofu products made or supplied by the company.

For the most accurate information, consumers should rely on the FDA recall notice and Hodo's official announcement rather than social media posts or unverified reports.

What Caused the Packaging Contamination?

The precise cause of the potential contamination remains under investigation.

Hodo said it is evaluating whether the combination of chili oil and heat contributed to the migration of printing ink from the packaging film into the tofu.

Packaging materials are designed to protect food from outside contaminants. However, manufacturers must carefully assess packaging and food-contact materials to ensure they remain suitable under the conditions in which a product is stored and handled.

In this case, Hodo said it identified a potential issue during production and initiated the recall while continuing its investigation.

The company has described the recall as a precautionary measure following its observations and additional testing.

What Consumers Should Know About the Recall

The Hodo tofu recall highlights why consumers should regularly check food recall announcements, particularly when purchasing refrigerated or ready-to-eat products.

Consumers should look for the product name, UPC and other identifying information provided in the official recall notice. If a product matches the recalled information, it should be handled according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The FDA and food manufacturers regularly issue recalls when potential safety or quality problems are identified. A recall does not necessarily mean that every package of a particular brand or product is affected.

For Hodo consumers, the key point is that the current recall involves specific Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu products and production lots, not the company's entire product line.

Where to Find Official Recall Information

Consumers seeking the latest details should consult the FDA's enforcement information and Hodo's official recall announcement.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hodo Inc. Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu Recall Enforcement Report
• Hodo Inc., Official Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu Recall Announcement

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available recall information supplied by Hodo Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Product availability, recall details and safety guidance can change as investigations continue. Consumers should verify the latest information directly with the FDA and Hodo before making decisions about recalled food. This article is not a substitute for medical, legal or professional advice.