The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert this week regarding a potential food safety issue with Wegmans Food Markets’ breaded chicken breast nuggets. The alert stems from concerns about possible contamination with bone fragments in the frozen, fully cooked product.
The affected product is identified as the 46-ounce package of “Wegmans Family Pack Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast with Rib Meat,” with a best-if-used-by date of August 26, 2025. The packaging also includes the code “P-33944” within the Agriculture Department’s inspection seal. The product was produced on August 26, 2024. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the alert to inform the public of the potential risk.
Wegmans’ chicken nuggets, which were distributed to locations in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., have raised concerns after several consumers reported finding bone fragments in their food. The FSIS was alerted after multiple complaints were received by Wegmans about the issue. However, the agency clarified that there have been no confirmed reports of injury or adverse effects from consuming the product.
While a formal recall was not issued because the product is no longer available for purchase, the USDA strongly advises consumers to take immediate action if they have the affected product in their freezers. Those who purchased the product are urged not to consume it. Instead, they are advised to dispose of the chicken nuggets or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
The FSIS is urging consumers to be vigilant and check their freezers for the product, particularly since it may still be in circulation in household freezers. As a safety precaution, it is important to follow the USDA’s guidance and ensure that these chicken nuggets are discarded to prevent any risk of injury from accidental consumption.
Wegmans has yet to provide a detailed response or comment on the issue, but the company is cooperating with the FSIS to resolve the matter. For those who have already purchased the affected product, the USDA recommends checking the packaging for the best-if-used-by date and the inspection code, which are crucial in identifying the specific batches involved.
Though no injuries have been reported, the FSIS is taking the situation seriously, highlighting the potential hazards of bone fragments in food products. Consumers are reminded that food safety is a shared responsibility, and it is essential to take prompt action if an issue is discovered with a product. The public health alert serves as a reminder that even products that are fully cooked and processed may carry unexpected risks if contamination occurs during production or packaging.
As the situation unfolds, the USDA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. In the meantime, consumers who are concerned about this alert or need more information about how to handle affected products can visit the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website or contact Wegmans directly.
