Unless we’re talking about throwing chicken on the grill or in the skillet, you don’t want to find metal around your chicken. Unfortunately, that’s the concern with 4.8 million pounds of frozen chicken recalled by Hormel Foods over possible metal contamination, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Here’s everything to know about the frozen chicken recall and what those affected should do.
Why Is Hormel Recalling Chicken?
The chicken in question may contain metal fragments, which, as we all know, is not ideal. After multiple customers found metal in the chicken they were served, it was determined that the metal originated from a conveyor belt used in the chicken’s production process.
Which Products Are Being Recalled?
A few types of ready-to-eat frozen chicken have been recalled. Here are all five:
- 13.9-lb. cases of Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Thigh Meat, item code “65009” printed on the label
- 13.8-lb. cases of 3-oz. Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast, item code “77531” printed on the label
- 13.8-lb. cases of 4-oz. Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast, item code “46750” printed on the label
- 23.8-lb. cases of 5-oz. Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast, item code “86206” printed on the label
- 13.95-lb. cases of Boneless Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, item code “134394” printed on the label
Where Was the Recalled Frozen Chicken Sold?
The recalled chicken was distributed exclusively to HRI Commercial Food Service locations nationwide between February 10, 2025, and September 19, 2025. Because the chicken was sold only to HRI Commercial Food Service, you wouldn’t have any in your own freezer. The concern, however, is that the contaminated frozen chicken could be sitting in the freezers of hotels, restaurants, and other institutions that the company supplies.
“This product is only sold to foodservice customers and cannot be purchased directly by consumers,” Hormel said in their release about the voluntary recall.
What Should I Do If I Have the Recalled Chicken?
If you work at a business that purchased the recalled product, throw it away. You can contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations online or at 1-800-523-4635.
While there have been no confirmed reports of injury from possible metal contamination in the frozen chicken, anyone concerned about an injury should contact their healthcare provider, according to the recall notice.
More Food Recall News From Cheapism
- Costco and Sam’s Club Jerky Recalled for Metal Contamination — Metal seems to be making the rounds lately. Find out what to know about a recent jerky recall at Costco and Sam’s Club.
- Thousands of Coca-Cola Cans Recalled Due to Potential Metal Contamination — Yep, metal strikes again. Three different Coca-Cola products have been recalled over concerns of metal contamination.
- Dog and Cat Food From 3 Major Brands Recalled Over Salmonella — This time, the concern is over Salmonella, and one for pet owners to be aware of.
