USDA Announces Nationwide Recall of More Than 4 Million Pounds of Frozen Chicken Products

More than 4 million pounds of frozen chicken products have been recalled due to possible metal contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Saturday.

Hormel Foods Corporation, of Austin, Minnesota, recalled 4,874,815 pounds of frozen chicken breast and thigh products after several foodservice customers complained about metal in their foods. The company later determined that the metal parts came from a conveyor belt used in the production process.

No injuries have been reported in connection with the recall, but the USDA has classified the recall as Class I, meaning that consumption of the recalled chicken could result in serious health problems or even death.

The recalled frozen chicken breast and thigh products were distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service, a restaurant supply company. They were sent nationwide between February 10 and September 19, 2025.

Potentially affected frozen chicken products include:

• 13.9 lbs. case containing “Hormel FIRE-BRAISED MEATS ALL-NATURAL BONED CHICKEN LEGS MEAT”, with item code “65009” printed on the label.
• 13.8 lbs. cases containing 3 oz.“Hormel FIRE-BRAISED MEATS ALL-NATURAL BONED CHICKEN BREAST”, with item code “77531” printed on the label.
• 13.8 lbs. cases containing 4 oz.“Hormel FIRE-BRAISED MEATS ALL-NATURAL BONED CHICKEN BREAST”, with item code “46750” printed on the label.
• 23.8 lbs. cases containing 5 oz.“Hormel FIRE-BRAISED MEATS ALL-NATURAL BONED CHICKEN BREAST”, with item code “86206” printed on the label.
• 13.95 pounds. case containing “BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST WITH RIBS MEAT”, with item code “134394” printed on the label.

A more detailed list including pack dates can be found here. All recalled products bear the establishment number “P-223” within the USDA mark of inspection.

The frozen chicken products were sold to food service establishments and cannot be purchased directly by consumers. So people are unlikely to have them in their refrigerator at home.

However, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is concerned that some products may still be in the freezers of hotels, restaurants and institutions. Any businesses that may have purchased these products should not serve them and should instead discard them, FSIS said.

If you are concerned that you may be harmed by ingesting any of the recalled chickens, contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Consumers with questions are also encouraged to contact Hormel Foods customer service through their website or by calling 1-800-523-4635.