Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. has recently expanded a major recall involving nearly 37 million pounds of frozen chicken and pork products due to potential glass contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported this expansion after customers flagged safety concerns.
The contamination is believed to stem from a vegetable ingredient—specifically, carrots. Products affected are popular items sold under brands like Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Ling Ling, and Tai Pei.
While no injuries have been confirmed, this is classified as a serious health risk, known as a High-Class I Health Hazard. Consuming glass can lead to severe injuries in the mouth, throat, or digestive system.
Key Recall Information
- Total Quantity: 36,987,575 lbs (up from 3.3 million lbs)
- Production Dates: October 21, 2024 – February 26, 2026
- Best-By Dates: February 28, 2026 – August 19, 2027
- Affected Brands:
- Trader Joe’s: Chicken Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, Japanese Style Fried Rice, Chicken Shu Mai
- Kroger: Chinese Inspirations Chicken Fried Rice
- Ling Ling: Restaurant Style Fried Rice (Yakitori Chicken)
- Tai Pei: Chicken Fried Rice, Ultimate Fried Rice
- Ajinomoto: Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen, Authentic Japanese Style Fried Rice, Kurobuta Pork Fried Rice
Consumer Safety Tips
- Check Your Freezer: Look for the brands listed above.
- Do Not Consume: If you find any recalled items, do not eat them.
- Dispose or Return: Throw the product away or return it for a full refund.
Additional Insights
Food recalls are not uncommon; in fact, the U.S. has seen a 23% increase in food recalls this year compared to last year, according to recent USDA statistics. Industry experts emphasize that consumer awareness is key during such recalls. Social media platforms often serve as rapid information channels, allowing users to quickly alert one another about potential dangers, such as this glass contamination incident.
Contact Information
For more details, consumers can reach out to Ajinomoto Consumer Affairs at (855) 742-5011 or email customercare@ajinomotofoods.com. Additionally, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at (888) 674-6854.
Stay safe and informed about your food choices! You can view the product labels linked here.
