Chicken is delicious to eat, but not so much when it has metal in it. More than 100,000 pounds of chicken was recently recalled in stores throughout Florida because they may have been contaminated with metal wire.
On August 16, Perdue Foods LLC recalled 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nuggets and tender products after some customers reported finding metal wire embedded in the products. The recalled chicken was produced on March 23, 2024, and featured establishment number P-33944 on the back of the package. The possibly contaminated products were sold nationwide, including in Florida.
Recalled products include:
- 22-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages titled Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets with best if used by date of 3/23/25 found on the back of the package.
- 29-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages titled Perdue Chicken Breast Tenders with best if used by date of 3/23/25 found on the back of the package.
- 22-oz. vacuum-sealed packages titled Butcherbox Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets with best if used by date of 3/23/25 found on the back of the package.
The recall was issued after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) received word of metal wire present inside the chicken tenders. Perdue, which is based in Maryland, determined that the material was a very thin strand of metal wire that was found during the manufacturing process. It has been identified in an unknown number of consumer packages.
So far, there are no confirmed injuries or adverse reactions tied to eating these products. However, Perdue decided to recall all impacted packages out of an abundance of caution.
Officials are still urging customers who have purchased any of the chicken products listed above to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consuming the products could be harmful to your health, and there is some concern that many consumers may have these chicken products in their freezers.
Visit fsis.usda.gov for additional information regarding the Perdue chicken recall. Consumers with questions can contact the toll-free USDA meat and poultry hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854). They can also email MPHotline@usda.gov.
Unfortunately, foreign object contamination is not uncommon. In fact, it is one of the top reasons for food recalls in the United States. In November, Tyson Foods recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets after consumers found metal pieces in the products. Other recalls have been prompted by the presence of plastic fragments, rocks, and insects in packaged goods.
Foreign Object Contamination
Foreign object contamination refers to the presence of any unintended material in a product, especially in the context of food and pharmaceuticals. This contamination can include items such as metal fragments, glass, plastic, wood, hair, or insects that accidentally make their way into a product during production, processing, or packaging.
Common sources of foreign object contamination include:
- Raw materials. These are contaminants present in raw materials used in production.
- Processing equipment. Broken parts, worn-out equipment, or improper handling can introduce foreign objects.
- Human error. This includes accidental dropping of objects, improper sanitation, and inadequate inspection procedures.
- Packaging. Defective packaging materials or improper sealing can lead to contamination.
- Environmental factors. Dust, pests, or other contaminants from the production environment can get into products.
Risks associated with foreign object contamination include:
- Health hazards. This includes physical harm to consumers, such as choking or injury to the mouth, teeth, or digestive tract.
- Legal and financial implications. These include recalls, lawsuits, fines, and damage to brand reputation.
- Regulatory non-compliance. Failing to meet industry standards and regulations can result in penalties and loss of certification.
It is important to ensure the highest standards of quality control and safety protocols in order to prevent foreign object contamination and protect consumer health and safety. Manufacturers can take preventative measures to avoid contamination, such as:
- Regular equipment maintenance. Ensure that machinery is in good working order to prevent breakdowns that could lead to contamination.
- Employee training. Proper training on handling materials, hygiene practices, and contamination prevention can prevent foreign objects from getting into products.
- Quality control checks. Companies should have thorough inspection processes, including metal detectors, X-ray machines, and visual inspections.
- Effective sanitation programs. Regular cleaning and sanitizing of the production area and equipment can prevent bacteria such as salmonella and listeria.
Contact Us Today
It is important to be careful of the products you buy. Even the food you purchase can be contaminated with diseases or foreign objects, which can cause illness or injury.
Fighting these claims is not easy. There are very specific elements that you must prove in order to be successful against a manufacturer or supplier of a product. Experienced counsel will help you obtain your rightful compensation. That is where Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, comes in. Call (954) 876-4344 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.