Hormel has recalled almost 5 million pounds of frozen chicken, according to a notice from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The problem? There have been “multiple complaints” from customers who found pieces of metal in their frozen chicken breasts and thighs.
The voluntary recall includes 215,258 cases, or 4,874,815 total pounds, of Hormel Fire Braised chicken distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service locations across the country from Feb. 10, 2025 until Sept. 19, 2025, according to the Minnesota-based company.
“The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from foodservice customers finding metal in their frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products. Hormel Foods determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production,” the USDA said in a statement published online.
Neither Hormel nor the USDA released information about the size of the metal pieces, but the FSIS told Fox Business that they were varied and measured about 2 millimeters by 17 millimeters (0.08 inches by 0.66 inches).
The chicken was not sold directly to consumers in retail stores, which is good news for the average American who may wonder if they need to check their freezers. But the federal agency wants to get the word out because they could still be in the freezers of hotels, restaurants, and various institutions.
There haven’t been any reports of injuries from anyone consuming the chicken. No other Hormel products are impacted by this recall. Anyone who finds the recalled chicken is encouraged to throw it away and not allow anyone to consume it.
There have been a number of food recalls and health alerts in recent months, including several recalls for shrimp feared to be radioactive, a recall of poke over listeria concerns, and several recalls for pasta in a listeria outbreak that’s killed at least four people. There was even a recall of Celsius energy drinks back in July because some were actually filled with vodka.
Hormel has a detailed list of the recalled product numbers on its website. Consumers with questions are being encouraged to contact Hormel either by the form on the company’s website or by phone at 1-800-523-4635. Consumers can also call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).