Why Perdue is Recalling Frozen Chicken Products and What Consumers Should Know

A significant recall has just been issued by Perdue Foods, one of the largest poultry producers in the United States. On August 16, 2024, Perdue, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), voluntarily recalled over 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken products due to potential contamination by metal fragments.

This recall has raised concerns nationwide as the affected products were distributed across the country and sold online. The USDA classified this as a Class I recall—the most serious level—indicating a reasonable risk of health issues if the contaminated products are consumed.

Details Of The Perdue Chicken Recall

Perdue’s recall involves three specific products, all of which have a “Best If Used By” date of March 23, 2025. The recalled items are:

Perdue Simply Smart Organic Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
- UPC: 0-72745-80656-8
Perdue Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders
- UPC: 0-72745-80431-1
Butcher Box Organic Fully Cooked Frozen Chicken Breast Nuggets
- UPC: 0-72745-80648-3

The recall was initiated after Perdue received customer complaints about finding metal fragments in these products. Jeff Shaw, Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Quality at Perdue, explained that the issue was traced back to a “very thin strand of metal wire that was inadvertently introduced into the manufacturing process.” Although there have been no reports of injuries or illnesses related to the contamination, Perdue is taking this matter seriously and has issued the recall out of “an abundance of caution.”

What Should You Do If You Have Purchased the Recalled Products?

If you believe you have purchased any of the recalled products, it is important to take immediate action. The USDA and Perdue recommend either disposing of the products or returning them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. The company has also provided a dedicated customer service line—866-866-3703—where you can contact Perdue Foods directly for more information and assistance with refunds.

There is growing concern that many consumers may still have these products in their freezers without realizing they are part of the recall. Since the recall involves frozen products with a long shelf life, it’s possible that people may have stocked up and forgotten about them. For this reason, the USDA has made available online resources, including images of the recalled products and guides to help identify the affected items. It’s crucial to check your freezer for any of the specific products mentioned, especially if you’ve purchased Perdue chicken recently.

The Broader Impact Of Food Contamination Recalls

This latest recall is a reminder of how serious food contamination can be. While Perdue’s prompt action and voluntary recall are commendable, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges in food safety. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the industry has faced similar issues. Just last year, in late 2023, Tyson Foods issued a recall of 30,000 pounds of its “Chicken Fun Nuggets” due to the presence of metal pieces in the product. In both cases, the contamination involved metal fragments, which can pose a significant risk if consumed.

Adding to the concerns, this Perdue recall comes right on the heels of another major food safety scare. Boar’s Head, a well-known deli meat producer, recently recalled millions of pounds of its products due to potential listeria contamination. The frequency of these recalls has consumers on high alert and raises questions about the safety measures in place during food processing.

How To Stay Safe: Reporting Contamination and Understanding Your Options

If you find any foreign material in your food, it’s important to take action immediately. The USDA provides a toll-free Meat and Poultry Hotline (888-674-6854) where consumers can report issues. Additionally, the USDA’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System is available 24/7 for reporting concerns about food safety. By taking advantage of these resources, consumers can help authorities quickly address contamination issues and prevent further harm.

Conclusion

The Perdue chicken recall serves as a critical reminder for consumers to stay vigilant when purchasing and consuming frozen foods. While no injuries have been reported so far, the presence of metal fragments in widely distributed products poses a real risk. As a consumer, it’s essential to stay informed about ongoing recalls and check your freezer for any potentially contaminated products.

With food recalls becoming more frequent, it’s clear that food safety needs to remain a top priority for both consumers and manufacturers. As Perdue continues to work on resolving this issue, staying cautious and informed is the best approach for anyone concerned about food contamination. Always check product labels and stay updated on recall notices to ensure the safety of your household’s food supply.

If you find yourself affected by this recall, remember to follow the instructions provided by Perdue and the USDA, either discarding the product or returning it for a refund. Stay safe, stay informed, and be proactive in keeping your food free from contamination.

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Why Perdue is Recalling Frozen Chicken Products and What Consumers Should Know?