UPDATE: Hormel Foods has just announced a massive recall of nearly 5 million pounds of frozen chicken due to reports of metal contamination. The recall, which affects 215,258 cases of Hormel Fire Braised chicken, was confirmed by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) following multiple customer complaints.
The affected chicken, which includes frozen chicken breasts and thighs, was distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service locations nationwide between February 10, 2025, and September 19, 2025. While the chicken was not sold directly to consumers, the USDA is urging anyone in the food service industry to check their freezers immediately.
According to the USDA, the contamination issue was traced back to a conveyor belt used during production. Metal pieces, measuring approximately 2 millimeters by 17 millimeters (0.08 inches by 0.66 inches), have been reported. Although no injuries have been reported from consuming the chicken, the potential health risks are prompting immediate action.
Officials state, “The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from food service customers finding metal in their frozen chicken products.” Hormel Foods has reassured the public that no other products are affected by this recall.
Consumers in the food service sector who discover the recalled chicken are advised to dispose of it immediately and avoid serving it. Hormel has provided a detailed list of the recalled product numbers on its website for reference.
For further assistance, consumers can contact Hormel Foods directly at 1-800-523-4635 or reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).
This recall follows a series of alarming food safety alerts, including recent recalls of shrimp due to radioactive fears, listeria concerns with poke products, and even a recall of Celsius energy drinks that were mistakenly filled with vodka. As food safety remains a critical concern, authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance in food sourcing.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as officials continue to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.