More than 4 million pounds of frozen chicken products have been recalled due to possible metal contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Saturday.
Hormel Foods Corporation, of Austin, Minnesota, recalled 4,874,815 pounds of frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products after multiple foodservice customers complained of finding metal in their food. The company later determined that the metal pieces came form a conveyor belt used in the production process.
No injuries have been reported in connection to the recall, but the USDA has classified the recall as Class I, meaning consuming the recalled chicken could lead to serious health issues or death.
The recalled frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products were distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service, a restaurant supply company. They were sent to locations nationwide between Feb. 10 and Sept. 19, 2025.
The potentially affected frozen chicken products include:
- 13.9-lb. cases containing “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH MEAT,” with item code “65009” printed on the label.
- 13.8-lb. cases containing 3-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “77531” printed on the label.
- 13.8-lb. cases containing 4-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “46750” printed on the label.
- 23.8-lb. cases containing 5-oz.“Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” with item code “86206” printed on the label.
- 13.95-lb. cases containing “BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT,” with item code “134394” printed on the label.
A more detailed list including pack dates can be found here. All recalled products have the establishment number “P-223” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The frozen chicken products were sold to food service establishments and can’t be purchased directly by consumers, so it’s unlikely that people have any in their refrigerators at home.
However, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is concerned that some products may still be in hotel, restaurant, and institution freezers. Any businesses that might have purchased these products shouldn’t serve them, and should throw them away instead, the FSIS said.
If you’re concerned that you may have an injury from ingesting any of the recalled chicken, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Consumers with any questions are also invited to contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations via their website or by calling 1-800-523-4635.
