U.S.-based food company Hormel Foods has announced the recall of almost five million pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken products following customer complaints about finding metal fragments in the food.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), referenced by Telemundo, reported that no injuries or serious incidents have been linked to the consumption of the affected products.
After receiving numerous complaints, the Austin, Minnesota-headquartered company determined that the metal pieces originated from a conveyor belt used during production, prompting the immediate recall of the batches.
The investigation revealed that metal was discovered in frozen chicken breast and thigh products, according to the media outlet.
Distribution and Concern
The affected chicken breast and thigh products were distributed between February 10 and September 19 to HRI Commercial Food Service, a national supplier for hotels, restaurants, and institutions.
Authorities have expressed concern that some of the products may have already reached food service establishments.
Details of Recalled Products
The recalled items include:
- 13.9 lb boxes of “Hormel Fire Braised Meats, Boneless Chicken Thigh” (code 65009).
- 13.8 lb boxes of “Hormel Fire Braised Meats, Boneless Chicken Breast” (codes 77531 and 46750).
- 23.8 lb boxes of “Hormel All Natural Fire Braised Meats, Boneless Chicken Breast” (code 86206).
- 6.1 kg boxes of “Boneless Chicken Breast with Rib Meat” (code 134394).
In total, it's estimated that 4,874,815 pounds of chicken are part of the recall. The FSIS has advised distributors and food service companies to check their inventories and dispose of or return the affected products to prevent any risks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hormel Foods Chicken Recall
Why did Hormel Foods recall chicken products?
Hormel Foods recalled the chicken products due to customer complaints about metal fragments found in the food, which originated from a conveyor belt used during production.
What products are affected by the Hormel Foods recall?
The recall affects frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast and thigh products distributed between February 10 and September 19, 2023, to HRI Commercial Food Service.
How can distributors handle the recalled chicken products?
Distributors and food service companies are advised to check their inventories and either dispose of or return the affected chicken products to avoid any safety risks.