More than 4 million pounds of frozen chicken have been pulled from distribution across the U.S. after the USDA warned of possible metal contamination in products made by Hormel Foods. The recall, which affects both chicken breast and thigh products, has been classified as Class I, the agency’s most serious level, indicating a risk of severe health issues if consumed.
According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the contamination likely came from a damaged conveyor belt used during production. While no injuries have been reported, authorities urge food service businesses to discard affected products immediately and verify whether they received any shipments from the recalled batches.
Hormel recalls millions of pounds of frozen chicken over metal contamination
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, has recalled 4,874,815 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken products after multiple foodservice customers reported finding pieces of metal in their food. Following an internal investigation, the company determined the source of the contamination to be equipment used on the processing line.
The recall covers a range of frozen chicken breast and thigh products sold under the Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS label and other variations. These items were distributed nationwide through HRI Commercial Food Service, which supplies restaurants, hotels, and institutions.
The affected products include:
- 13.9-lb cases of “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH MEAT” (item code 65009).
- 13.8-lb cases of “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” 3 oz (item code 77531).
- 13.8-lb cases of “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” 4 oz (item code 46750).
- 23.8-lb cases of “Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST,” 5 oz (item code 86206)-
- 13.95-lb cases of “BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIB MEAT” (item code 134394).
All recalled items bear the establishment number “P-223” within the USDA mark of inspection and were shipped between February 10 and September 19, 2025.
This incident adds to a growing list of large-scale recalls reported in recent years, underscoring how mechanical failures in food processing can trigger widespread disruptions across the supply chain. Even when no injuries occur, recalls of this scale can significantly impact food service operations and raise concerns about the reliability of production safety checks.
What businesses should do next
Although these frozen chicken products were not sold directly to consumers, FSIS officials are concerned that some may still be stored in hotel, restaurant, or institutional freezers. Any facility in possession of the recalled chicken is instructed not to serve or use it, and to dispose of it immediately.
Those who suspect they might have eaten contaminated food and are experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider. While no confirmed injuries have been reported, ingestion of metal fragments could cause serious harm, which is why the USDA has given the recall its highest classification level.
Consumers or business owners with questions can reach Hormel Foods Customer Relations through the company’s website or by calling 1-800-523-4635. The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline is also available at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) for food safety inquiries, or consumers can report a problem online at foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov.
The FSIS will continue conducting recall effectiveness checks to confirm that affected products are removed from circulation and that all businesses have been notified. This nationwide recall highlights the critical importance of ongoing food safety inspections and swift action to protect consumers from potential contamination.