Hormel Foods pulls frozen products after metal contamination discovered in production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced one of the most significant food recalls of the year, affecting nearly 5 million pounds of frozen chicken products due to dangerous metal contamination. The recall involves 4,874,815 pounds of frozen chicken breast and thigh products manufactured by Hormel Foods Corporation at their Austin, Minnesota facility.
This comprehensive recall was triggered after multiple foodservice customers discovered metal pieces embedded in their chicken products, prompting an immediate investigation that traced the contamination to a malfunctioning conveyor belt in the production facility. The discovery has raised serious concerns about food safety protocols and industrial equipment maintenance in large-scale food processing operations.
Federal regulators have classified this recall as Class I, representing the most serious category of food safety alerts. This designation indicates that consumption of the affected products could result in severe health consequences or potentially fatal injuries. While no injuries have been reported to date, the classification underscores the gravity of the contamination issue.
Metal contamination poses significant risks to consumers, including potential choking hazards, dental damage, internal injuries, and digestive tract trauma. The sharp edges of metal fragments can cause serious harm if swallowed, making immediate removal of these products from the food supply chain essential.
The recalled chicken products were distributed exclusively to HRI Commercial Food Service, a major restaurant supply company that serves establishments nationwide. Distribution occurred between February 10 and September 19, 2025, meaning contaminated products may have reached countless restaurants, cafeterias, and other commercial food service operations across the country.
The affected products include multiple variations of Hormel Fire Braised Meats all-natural boneless chicken products. The first item involves 13.9-pound cases of boneless chicken thigh meat with item code 65009. The second product consists of 13.8-pound cases containing 3-ounce portions of boneless chicken breast, identified by item code 77531.
Additional recalled items include 13.8-pound cases of 4-ounce boneless chicken breast portions carrying item code 46750, and 23.8-pound cases of 5-ounce boneless chicken breast portions marked with item code 86206. The fifth affected product involves 13.95-pound cases of boneless chicken breast with rib meat, designated by item code 134394.
All recalled products bear the establishment number "P-223" within the USDA mark of inspection, providing a clear identifier for foodservice operators seeking to locate potentially contaminated inventory. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has provided comprehensive product identification information, including specific pack dates and production codes.
Food service establishments that may have received these products should immediately cease serving them and dispose of any remaining inventory. The widespread nature of the distribution means that numerous restaurants, school cafeterias, hospital kitchens, and other commercial food operations may need to check their freezers for affected products.
Unlike many food recalls that directly affect retail consumers, these frozen chicken products were sold exclusively to commercial foodservice operations. Individual consumers are unlikely to have purchased these items for home use, as they were not available through grocery stores or direct-to-consumer sales channels.
However, consumers who have dined at restaurants or eaten meals prepared by commercial food services during the affected timeframe should remain aware of potential exposure. Anyone experiencing unusual symptoms after consuming chicken products should seek medical attention promptly.
Hormel Foods Corporation has established customer relations support for questions or concerns related to the recall. Affected businesses and concerned consumers can access information through the company's website or by calling the dedicated hotline at 1-800-523-4635.
The USDA continues monitoring the situation and working with Hormel Foods to ensure complete removal of contaminated products from the food supply chain. This incident highlights the critical importance of regular equipment maintenance and quality control procedures in large-scale food processing facilities.