Massive 5 million pound chicken recall: Find out if your dinner is affected

A nationwide recall involving nearly five million pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken has been issued after reports of metal fragments turning up in meals.

The discovery has sparked one of the largest food safety alerts of the year, leaving many Americans wondering if their family’s food is safe.

What’s Going On?​

On October 25, Hormel Foods Corporation, in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), announced an urgent recall of 4.87 million pounds of its Fire Braised ready-to-eat chicken products. This recall was triggered after several customers reported finding metal fragments in their chicken breasts and thighs—fragments sharp enough to cause serious injury.

The source of the contamination? A conveyor belt used in the production process, which apparently shed metal pieces into the chicken over several months. While no injuries have been reported yet, the risk is real: swallowing metal can cause choking, cuts, or even internal bleeding if sharp pieces puncture the digestive tract.

Who’s Affected?​

This recall is especially important for anyone who dines out, lives in a retirement community, or has loved ones in healthcare facilities or schools. The affected chicken was distributed nationwide between February 10 and September 19, 2025, and was primarily sold in bulk to restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and schools. However, some of these products may have made their way into home freezers, especially if you’ve purchased chicken in larger quantities or from food service suppliers.

Which Products Are Involved?​

Here’s what to look for in your freezer or at your favorite dining spot:

Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Thigh Meat

• 13.9-pound cases, item code 65009

Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast

• 13.8-pound cases, three-ounce pieces, item code 77531
• 13.8-pound cases, four-ounce pieces, item code 46750
• 23.8-pound cases, five-ounce pieces, item code 86206

Boneless Chicken Breast with Rib Meat

• 13.95-pound cases, item code 134394

All affected products will have the establishment number P-223 inside the USDA mark of inspection. If you spot any of these codes or numbers, do not eat the chicken—throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

Also read: From chicken to steak, these 7 grocery meats are seeing surprising price hikes

Why It’s Dangerous​

Metal fragments in food aren’t just an unpleasant surprise—they can be downright dangerous. Here’s what could happen if you accidentally consume contaminated chicken:

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after eating chicken, seek medical attention immediately.

Also read: White eggs or brown? A nutrition expert separates fact from myth

How Did This Happen?​

According to the FSIS, the contamination was traced back to a conveyor belt used in the production of Hormel’s Fire Braised chicken products. Over 75 different production dates for chicken thighs and nearly 60 chicken breasts were affected, meaning the problem persisted for months before being caught.

This highlights the importance of robust food safety checks—and why recalls like this, while alarming, are crucial for public health.

What Should You Do Now?​

Check Your Freezer: If you have any bulk chicken products, especially those from Hormel or labeled “Fire Braised,” look for the item codes and establishment number listed above.

Don’t Take Chances: If you’re unsure whether your chicken is affected, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, throw it out.

Contact the Experts:

• Hormel Foods Customer Relations: Hormel’s website or 1-800-523-4635
• USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)

Read next:

• Massive recall issued for popular pork jerky over dangerous metal contamination
• DoorDash launches massive effort helping millions hit by SNAP benefit freeze
• Another egg recall raises safety concerns—what to know before your next breakfast

Key Takeaways

• Nearly five million pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken products have been urgently recalled by Hormel Foods and the US Department of Agriculture due to possible contamination with metal fragments that could cause serious injury if consumed.
• The recall mainly affects large cases of Hormel Fire Braised Meats, including boneless chicken breast and thigh products, distributed nationwide to restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and schools between February and September 2025.
• The metal contamination was traced back to a faulty conveyor belt used during production, with the affected chicken produced on dozens of different dates over several months.
• Consumers and businesses are warned not to serve or eat the recalled products and are urged to check item codes and USDA inspection numbers; affected items should be disposed of, and queries directed to Hormel Foods Customer Relations or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline.

Have you ever experienced a food recall before? Do you have tips for keeping your kitchen safe or questions about how to handle recalled products? Maybe you’re wondering how to talk to your favorite restaurant about food safety.