Perdue Foods has initiated a voluntary recall of approximately 167,000 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken products due to potential contamination with metal particles. This measure is based on precautionary observations made after foreign material was found in a limited number of consumer packages. The recall underscores the significance of stringent quality control measures within the food manufacturing process to ensure consumer safety and trust.
The contamination issue was identified by complaints from consumers who discovered metal wire in the product. The presence of these particles poses potential risks to consumers and necessitated immediate action from Perdue Foods. Jeff Shaw, Perdue’s senior vice president of food safety and quality, stated, “We determined the material to be a very thin strand of metal wire that was inadvertently introduced into the manufacturing process.” He added, “Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to voluntarily recall all of these packages of products.”
More than 160,000 pounds of frozen and ready-to-eat chicken nuggets and tenders are being recalled by Perdue Foods, over possible metal contamination, the USDA announced on Friday.https://t.co/BCWZRqa9aR
— NewsChannel 9 (@NewsChannel9) August 18, 2024
Specifics of the Recall
The recall decision was made public by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and it affects three specific Perdue products: Simply Smart Organic Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets, Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders, and Butcher Box Organic Fully Cooked Frozen Chicken Breast Nuggets. All products in question have a best-by date of March 23, 2025, and carry the code P-33944 on the package.
“The poultry company voluntarily recalled the chicken ‘after a foreign material was identified in a limited number of consumer packages,’ the company said in a release on its website dated Friday.”
To safeguard public health, affected consumers are advised to either discard the recalled products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Perdue Foods has made it clear that no cases of illness or injury related to the contamination have been reported. They have set up a dedicated helpline at 866-866-3703 for those affected by the recall who may have questions or require further assistance.
Perdue Foods is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders because of the possible presence of metal. https://t.co/VCCwUeaJ3s https://t.co/VCCwUeaJ3s
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) August 18, 2024
Previous Recalls and Ongoing Efforts
This is not the only instance where Perdue Foods has had to initiate a product recall. In 2019, the company recalled nearly 32,000 pounds of chicken products due to potential bone material contamination, highlighting the recurrent necessity for rigorous safety measures. Foreign object contamination remains a common cause for food recalls in the United States. Notably, Tyson Foods also recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets last November for similar reasons.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to voluntarily recall all of these packages of products.”
The FSIS continues to conduct recall effectiveness checks to ensure all customers are adequately notified. For further information, consumers can contact the USDA at 888-674-6854 or visit the FSIS website. Anyone concerned about possible contamination should immediately reach out to a healthcare provider. By working collectively, manufacturers, regulators, and consumers can ensure that food safety remains a top priority in the United States.
