Warning: Your Walmart frozen chicken could be a health hazard

Shoppers trust that the food they buy is safe for their families. However, a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alert has raised concerns about a popular product.

Is your Walmart frozen chicken putting your health at risk?


The USDA has issued a public health alert for a popular frozen food product that may be lurking in your freezer: Bettergoods Chicken Curry Empanadas.

The issue at hand is a serious case of mislabeling.

Packages intended to contain savory chicken curry empanadas were mistakenly filled with a sweet alternative—Bettergoods Apple Cinnamon Empanadas.


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The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for empanadas sold at Walmart stores nationwide. Image source: Alan Stoddard/Pexels.


This might sound like a simple mix-up, but there's a catch: the apple cinnamon variety contains milk, a common allergen that is not declared on the chicken curry packaging.

For individuals with milk allergies, consuming a product with undeclared milk can lead to a range of adverse reactions, from mild discomfort to severe allergic responses.

It's a situation that no one wants to encounter, especially when it comes from a trusted source.


The mislabeled empanadas were sold exclusively at Walmart stores across the country, making this a nationwide concern.

They were produced on November 14, 2024, and packaged on November 20 and 21, 2024.

If you've purchased frozen empanadas recently, here's what to look for:


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The empanadas meant to be chicken curry flavor may actually contain apple cinnamon. Image source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).


  • The packaging reads “Bettergoods TRADITIONALLY CRAFTED Chicken Curry Empanadas.”
  • The boxes are 9.6 ounces and made of cardboard.
  • Look for the "BEST BY" dates of either 05/21/26 or 05/22/26.
  • The establishment number “EST. P33967” should be visible on the side of the box.
For visual confirmation, the FSIS has provided images of the product label on their website, which can be a helpful reference when checking your own freezer.


If you discover that you have the mislabeled empanadas, the FSIS has clear instructions: do not consume the product.

Instead, you should either dispose of the empanadas or return them to your Walmart store for a full refund. It's a simple step that can prevent potential health risks.

For those with additional food safety questions, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854), or you can email your inquiries to [email protected].

They're ready to assist with any concerns you may have.
Key Takeaways
  • The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for empanadas sold at Walmart stores nationwide due to mislabelling issues.
  • The empanadas meant to be chicken curry flavor may actually contain apple cinnamon, which includes milk—an undeclared allergen that may cause adverse reactions in those allergic to it.
  • The affected empanadas have specific production and best-by dates and can be identified by package markings and EST. P33967 printed on the box.
  • Consumers who have purchased the mislabelled empanadas are urged to not consume the product and either dispose of it or return it for a refund.
Have you ever encountered a food recall or alert that affected you personally? How do you manage food safety in your home? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
 

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