Extensive Recall of Frozen Chicken Products Due to Contamination Concerns
- Perdue is recalling over 160,000 pounds of frozen chicken products linked to contamination issues.
- The recall addresses specific items including chicken nuggets and tenders.
- The USDA advises consumers to discard or return any affected products immediately.
A significant recall has been issued by Perdue following reports from consumers regarding the discovery of thin metal wires embedded within frozen chicken items. The company announced it is removing more than 160,000 pounds of its frozen breaded products—including chicken breasts, tenders, and nuggets—from retail shelves as a precautionary measure.
In a statement released by the company, senior vice president for food safety Jeff Shaw emphasized that this decision was made “out of an abundance of caution.” The investigation revealed that these foreign materials inadvertently entered the manufacturing process; however, there have been no confirmed illnesses reported in connection with this contamination issue.
Affected Products and Their Details
The recalled items include:
- Perdue Simply Smart Organic Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken Nuggets
- Perdue Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders
- Butcher Box Organic Free Fully Frozen-Cooked Chicken Nuggets
This recall affects products with an expiration date set for March 23, 2025. Consumers are encouraged to check their freezers for these particular brand offerings as they may contain dangerous materials.
USDA Response and Consumer Guidance
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has acknowledged receipt of consumer complaints regarding these metal pieces. In their statement regarding the situation, they expressed concern over potential residual products remaining in households: “FSIS is worried that some product may be sitting in consumers’ freezers,” underscoring the urgency for anyone who purchased these items not to consume them. Instead, such products should either be discarded or returned where they were bought.