Check your freezer! Recently, there’s been an important recall affecting frozen fried rice products, including Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice. This situation has sparked concern among customers who love these quick meals.
In February, Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. recalled over 3 million pounds of chicken fried rice due to contamination concerns—specifically, glass pieces. By early March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the recall had expanded to over 33 million additional pounds of various fried rice products and dumplings.
The initial recall came after four customers reported finding glass in their meals. The affected frozen products include stir fried rice with vegetables, seasoned chicken, and eggs. Since then, 16 more items produced under several brands—Ajinomoto, Kroger, Ling Ling, Tai Pei, and Trader Joe’s—have been included in the recall.
Here are some of the specific Trader Joe’s items affected:
- Chicken Fried Rice (best by dates March 4, 2026, to Feb. 10, 2027)
- Vegetable Fried Rice (best by dates Feb. 28, 2026, to Nov. 19, 2026)
- Japanese Style Fried Rice (best by dates Feb. 28, 2026, to Nov. 14, 2026)
- Chicken Shu Mai (best by dates March 13, 2026, to Oct. 23, 2026)
Each product includes an establishment number inside the USDA inspection mark. Remember to check for best-by dates ranging from Feb. 28, 2026, to Aug. 19, 2027.
The USDA has traced the contamination back to a vegetable ingredient—likely carrots—that was causing the issue across multiple products. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. However, if you’re worried about potential hazards, consulting a healthcare provider is a good idea.
If you find any of these products in your freezer, it’s best to discard them or return them to the store for a refund. You can reach out to Trader Joe’s Customer Relations during business hours if you have any questions.
As a reminder, these types of food safety issues are not uncommon. In recent years, the food industry has seen a rise in recalls, often due to contamination risks. Staying informed about recalls can help keep your household safe and healthy.
For more information on this recall, visit the USDA’s official site here.
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Chicken Fried Rice, Fried Rice, Trader Joe’s, Food Safety and Inspection Service, fried rice products, pork fried rice
