Perdue Recalls Chicken Nuggets and Tenders Due to Metal Contamination Fears

Perdue Foods has initiated a major recall of over 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken products due to concerns over metal contamination. The recall, announced by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Friday, includes several varieties of chicken nuggets and tenders that may contain metal fragments.

The recall affects products produced on March 23, 2024, and follows reports from consumers who discovered metal wire embedded in the chicken nuggets. Although no injuries or illnesses have been reported, the FSIS is taking precautionary measures to address potential risks associated with the contaminated products.

According to Jeff Shaw, Perdue’s senior vice president of food safety and quality, the metal contamination was identified as a very thin strand of metal wire that was inadvertently introduced into the manufacturing process. “Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to voluntarily recall all of these packages of products,” Shaw stated in a press release.

The affected products include three types of chicken items: the 22-ounce plastic package of Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets, the 29-ounce package of Perdue Chicken Breast Tenders, and the 22-ounce package of Butcherbox Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets. All these products were manufactured at the same plant on the same day, which has led to the broad recall.

The FSIS has advised consumers to check their freezers for these products, which are labeled with the plant number “P-33944” and have “Best if Used By” dates of March 23, 2025. If customers find any of the affected products in their homes, they should either dispose of them, return them to the point of purchase, or contact Perdue at 866-866-3703 for a refund.

The recall highlights the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in manufacturing processes. Perdue Foods has responded proactively by issuing the recall and ensuring that their customers are informed about the potential risk. The company is working closely with the FSIS to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.

In the absence of any reported injuries or illnesses, the recall remains a precautionary step to protect public health. Consumers are urged to take immediate action if they have purchased the affected products, as consuming contaminated food can pose serious health risks.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards in food processing and the critical role of regulatory bodies and manufacturers in ensuring the safety of food products. The FSIS and Perdue are committed to addressing the issue and safeguarding consumer trust in food safety practices.

For those affected, Perdue is offering a full refund for the recalled products, and customers are encouraged to reach out to the company for further assistance. The swift response by both the FSIS and Perdue Foods aims to mitigate any potential risks and ensure that consumers are well-informed about the recall.

As the recall progresses, both organizations are focused on investigating the root cause of the contamination and implementing measures to prevent similar issues in the future. The commitment to food safety and quality remains a top priority for Perdue, as they work to maintain the high standards expected by consumers.

In conclusion, the Perdue chicken nugget and tender recall underscores the importance of thorough quality control and prompt action in addressing food safety concerns. Consumers are advised to review their frozen food inventories and take necessary steps to handle the recalled products appropriately.