Hormel Recalls Nearly 5M Lbs. Of Ready-To-Eat Chicken Over Possible Metal Contamination: USDA

WASHINGTON — Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minnesota business, is recalling about nearly 5 million lbs. of foodservice ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Saturday.

The affected chicken breast and thigh products were distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service locations nationwide on various dates from February 10 through September 19, the USDA said.

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The products bear establishment number “P-223” inside the USDA mark of inspection, officials said.

According to Hormel, the voluntary recall involves 215,258 cases, or 4,874,815 total lbs., of Hormel® Fire-Braised™ items that have an establishment number of P-223 sent to foodservice operators throughout the United States as they may contain extraneous metal material.

"No other HORMEL® products are affected, and no illnesses or injuries have been reported in association with this recall," Hormel said. "This product is only sold to foodservice customers and cannot be purchased directly by consumers. All customers that received the affected product have been properly notified."

According to the USDA, the problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from foodservice customers finding metal in their frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products.

Hormel Foods determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production, the USDA said.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product, the USDA said.

Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider, the USDA said.

"FSIS is concerned that some products may be in the freezers of hotels, restaurants and institutions. These businesses are urged not to serve the product. This product should be thrown away. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers," the USDA said.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Hormel Foods customer relations through their website or by calling 1-800-523-4635.