Key Takeaways
- 4.87 million pounds of frozen chicken recalled due to metal contamination
- Affects Hormel Fire Braised products distributed nationwide
- No injuries reported but serious health risks identified
- Products mainly sold to restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities and schools
Hormel Foods Corporation, in coordination with the US Department of Agriculture, has issued an urgent recall of nearly 5 million pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken products after discovering potential metal fragment contamination. The recall affects various Fire Braised chicken items distributed to commercial food service establishments across the United States.
Recall Details and Timeline
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on October 25 following multiple customer complaints about finding metal pieces in frozen chicken breasts and thighs. Investigation traced the contamination to a faulty conveyor belt used in production facilities.
The affected products were distributed nationwide between February 10 and September 19, 2025, primarily targeting Hormel Foods Restaurant and Institutional Commercial Food Services customers.
Affected Products and Identification
The recall includes multiple Fire Braised chicken products packaged in large cases:
- 13.9-pound cases of Boneless Chicken Thigh Meat (item code 65009)
- 13.8-pound cases of 3-ounce Boneless Chicken Breast pieces (item code 77531)
- 13.8-pound cases of 4-ounce Boneless Chicken Breast pieces (item code 46750)
- 23.8-pound cases of 5-ounce Boneless Chicken Breast pieces (item code 86206)
- 13.95-pound cases of Boneless Chicken Breast with Rib Meat (item code 134394)
All recalled products bear establishment number “P-223” within the USDA mark of inspection.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
Consuming metal fragments poses serious health hazards including choking, mouth and throat injuries, and internal digestive tract damage. Sharp pieces may cause internal bleeding or organ perforation, while contaminated metal could lead to bacterial infections.
Additional symptoms from ingestion may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive blockages requiring immediate medical attention.
Distribution and Customer Impact
The recall primarily affects bulk purchasers including restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. FSIS expressed concern that contaminated products may remain in freezer inventories of these establishments.
“These businesses are urged not to serve the product. This product should be thrown away,” FSIS officials stated in their public warning.
Contact Information
Customers with questions should contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations at 1-800-523-4635 or through their official website. Consumers can also reach the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) for guidance on food safety and proper meat handling procedures.
