Hormel Foods is initiating a significant recall affecting nearly 4.9 million pounds of frozen boneless chicken products due to safety concerns. The announcement comes from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which disclosed that multiple customers reported finding metal fragments embedded in the chicken breast and thigh products. An investigation traced the source of the contamination to a conveyor belt used during the production process.
The affected products were distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service, a restaurant supply company, and have been sent out to various locations nationwide between February 10 and September 19. The FSIS has urged consumers, particularly businesses like hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias, to check their freezers for these specific chicken items and to dispose of them immediately.
The recall encompasses a variety of products, including:
- Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH MEAT: 13.9-lb. cases with item code “65009”
- Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST (3-oz): 13.8-lb. cases with item code “77531”
- Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST (4-oz): 13.8-lb. cases with item code “46750”
- Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST (5-oz): 23.8-lb. cases with item code “86206”
- BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT: 13.95-lb. cases with item code “134394”
Despite the severity of the recall, there have been no reported cases of illness or injury associated with the contaminated products. For consumers seeking more information or assistance regarding the recall, Hormel Foods has made resources available through their company website, and they can also be contacted directly by phone at 1-800-523-4635.
