4.9M pounds of frozen chicken recalled over possible metal contamination

(KNWA/KFTA) — More than 4.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken products distributed to hotels, restaurants, and institutions have been voluntarily recalled by Hormel Foods after receiving multiple reports of finding metal inside the food.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on Oct. 25 for chicken breast and thigh products sent to HRI Commercial Food Service locations — and not directly to consumers — nationwide from Feb. 10 through Sept. 19 of this year.

The following products are the subject of the recall:

• 13.9-lb. cases containing “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH MEAT,” with item code “65009” printed on the label.
• 13.8-lb. cases containing 3-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “77531” printed on the label.
• 13.8-lb. cases containing 4-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “46750” printed on the label.
• 23.8-lb. cases containing 5-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “86206” printed on the label.
• 13.95-lb. cases containing “BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT,” with item code “134394” printed on the label.

The full list of affected pack dates can be found on the USDA's website.

FSIS said the Minnesota establishment heard from multiple foodservice customers who said they found metal in their chicken breast and thigh products. Hormel Foods found the metal came from a conveyor belt used in production.

While the products may not be in typical consumer freezers, they may be in those of hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

There have been no injuries reported in connection with the impacted chicken. No injuries have been reported due to the consumption of the product. Owners are urged to throw away the products.

Anyone with questions about the recall may contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations through their website or by calling 1-800-523-4635.