Perdue Foods has issued a significant recall of over 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken products following consumer reports of metal wire contamination. The recall affects three specific products: Perdue Breaded Chicken Tenders, Butcher Box Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets, and Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets. The recall comes as a precautionary measure, despite no reported injuries or adverse reactions related to the contamination.
The U.S. Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Perdue Foods jointly announced the recall after an unspecified number of consumers reported finding thin strands of metal wire embedded in the chicken products. In a statement, Jeff Shaw, Perdue's Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Quality, explained that the contamination likely occurred during the manufacturing process. Shaw emphasized that the recall was initiated "out of an abundance of caution" to ensure consumer safety.
The affected products, which were distributed to retailers nationwide, are easily identifiable by their product codes and the establishment number "P-33944" printed on the back of each package. All the recalled items have a "best if used by" date of March 23, 2025. Perdue has advised consumers who purchased these products to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
While the presence of foreign materials in food products is a top cause of recalls in the United States, this incident adds to a growing list of food safety concerns. Last year, Tyson Foods had to recall nearly 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets after consumers found metal pieces in the products. Other food recalls have been prompted by contaminants ranging from plastic fragments to rocks and even insect parts.
The FSIS, in collaboration with Perdue, is actively monitoring the situation and has urged consumers to check their freezers for any of the recalled products. In addition to Perdue's own consumer hotline, FSIS has recommended that anyone with concerns about possible injury or illness due to the contaminated chicken contact a healthcare provider.
Despite the seriousness of the recall, Perdue has maintained that no injuries have been reported to date. The company's swift action in coordinating with federal authorities to remove the contaminated products from circulation underscores the critical importance of food safety in the industry.
This recall is not the first for Perdue. In 2019, the company recalled nearly 32,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products due to potential bone fragments. The repeated recalls highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring the integrity of food production processes, even for well-established companies like Perdue.
The impact of the recall is significant, affecting consumers across the country. Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected products from their shelves, and consumers are advised to remain vigilant about the products they have in their homes. With food safety continuing to be a paramount concern, Perdue's recall serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining a safe food supply chain.
As the situation develops, Perdue Foods and FSIS are expected to provide further updates. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential health risks.
