Over 4.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken products are being recalled by Hormel Foods, following several incidents where metals were discovered in the food. This recall primarily affects hotels, restaurants, and other institutions.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on October 25. Products sent between February 10 and September 19 of this year, specifically chicken breast and thigh items, are included, but these were distributed to food service locations, not directly to consumers.
The recalled products are:
- A case weighing 13.9 lbs. with the product code “65009” on the label.
- A case of 13.8 lbs. 3 oz. labeled as “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST” with product code “77531.”
- A case of 13.8 lbs. 4 oz. of the same chicken breast product but with the code “46750.”
- A case weighing 23.8 lbs. 5 oz. of the same chicken breast, which has the code “86206.”
- A case of 13.95 lbs. labeled as “Boneless Chicken Breast Rib with Meat,” featuring product code “134394.”
You can find the complete list of affected pack dates on the USDA website.
FSIS reported that the Minnesota facility received notices from various food service customers regarding metal found in the chicken products. An investigation revealed that the metal originated from a conveyor belt used in the production process.
While these products are not likely in typical consumer freezers, they might be present in the stock of businesses like hotels or restaurants.
Fortunately, no injuries have been linked to the consumption of these products, and consumers are advised to discard any affected items.
If you have any questions regarding the recall, you can reach out to a Hormel Foods customer representative or call 1-800-523-4635.
