Hormel Foods has chosen to withdraw several of its frozen chicken offerings after consumers reported finding metal fragments within them.
WASHINGTON — On Saturday, Hormel Foods announced a voluntary recall of over 4.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken products intended for foodservice use. This decision followed numerous customer complaints about metal pieces discovered in the food.
The recall, which was made public on October 25, affects chicken breast and thigh items distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service locations across the nation from February 10 to September 19.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, these products can be identified by the establishment number “P-223” found within the USDA inspection mark on the packaging.
While these items are unlikely to be found in the average consumer’s freezer, they may be stored in those of hotels, restaurants, and similar establishments. Business owners are advised to dispose of these products. The affected items include:
- 13.9-lb. cases – “Hormel fire braised meats all natural boneless chicken thigh meat,” with item code “65009” printed on the label.
- 13.8-lb. cases – 3-oz.“Hormel fire braised meats all natural boneless chicken breast,” with item code “77531” printed on the label.
- 13.8-lb. cases – 4-oz.“Hormel fire braised meats all natural boneless chicken breast,” with item code “46750” printed on the label.
- 23.8-lb. cases – 5-oz.“Hormel fire braised meats all natural boneless chicken breast,” with item code “86206” printed on the label.
- 13.95-lb. cases – “boneless chicken breast with rib meat,” with item code “134394” printed on the label.
The recall investigation revealed that the metal originated from a conveyor belt used during production. However, the recall notice did not specify the type of metal or detail how it was introduced into the chicken products.
No injuries have been reported as part of this recall. Health experts encourage those concerned about an injury to contact their healthcare provider.
Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations through their website or by calling 1-800-523-4635.
