Perdue Foods recalls over 167,000 pounds of chicken nuggets and tenders due to potential metal contamination, prompting nationwide consumer alert.
At a Glance
- Perdue Foods recalls 167,171 pounds of frozen chicken products due to metal wire contamination
- Affected products include Perdue Breaded Chicken Tenders, Butcher Box Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets, and Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Recalled products have a best if used by date of March 23, 2025, and establishment number “P-33944”
- No injuries or adverse reactions reported; consumers advised to throw away or return products for a full refund
Nationwide Recall Announced
Perdue Foods has initiated a nationwide recall of approximately 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders due to potential metal wire contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall after consumer complaints about metal wire found in the products.
The affected products were produced on March 23, 2024, and have a best if used by date of March 23, 2025. They bear the establishment number “P-33944” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were distributed to retail locations nationwide and sold online, raising concerns about consumer safety across the country.
Perdue Foods recalls over 165,000 pounds of chicken nuggets and tenders due to possible metal contamination. https://t.co/ULZ7WV4h9Z
— WIOD (@WIOD) August 18, 2024
Contamination Details and Company Response
The contamination was identified as a thin strand of metal wire that was inadvertently introduced during the manufacturing process. Jeff Shaw, Perdue’s senior vice president of food safety and quality, addressed the issue in a prepared statement.
“We determined the material to be a very thin strand of metal wire that was inadvertently introduced into the manufacturing process,” Shaw said. “Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to voluntarily recall all of these packages of products.”
Perdue Foods emphasized that the recall was voluntary and initiated after foreign material was found in a limited number of consumer packages. The company is taking this proactive measure to ensure consumer safety, despite no reported injuries or adverse reactions related to the contaminated products.
Consumer Guidelines and Refund Process
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to check their freezers and take immediate action. The FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in consumers’ freezers, posing a potential health risk. Those who have bought the recalled items should not consume them.
“FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” the USDA notice stated.
Perdue Foods has set up a dedicated hotline for consumers seeking refunds or additional information. Customers can contact the company at 866-866-3703 for assistance. The USDA notice also advises anyone concerned about injury or illness to contact a healthcare provider.
Broader Implications for Food Safety
This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in food manufacturing and the importance of rigorous quality control measures. Foreign object contamination remains a common reason for food recalls in the United States, affecting even major producers in the industry.
The incident serves as a reminder for consumers to stay informed about food safety alerts and to promptly respond to recall notices. It also underscores the responsibility of food manufacturers to maintain stringent safety protocols and transparency in their operations to protect public health and maintain consumer trust.
