Glass Fragments Trigger Nationwide Recall of Chicken Products
Shoppers across the country are being urged to check their freezers after a massive recall involving frozen chicken products. Federal officials say the items may contain glass fragments, prompting a nationwide alert and an expanded recall that now totals nearly 37 million pounds of food.
The recall began on February 19, 2026, when Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., a Portland, Oregon based company, pulled more than 3.3 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service classified it as a high risk, or Class I, recall due to possible foreign matter contamination.
Less than two weeks later, on March 3 and 4, 2026, the recall expanded dramatically. Officials announced that additional ready to eat and not ready to eat chicken and pork products were included, bringing the total to 36,987,575 pounds distributed nationwide and exported to Canada and Mexico.
What Products Are Affected and Where They Were Sold
The recall covers a wide range of frozen products, including chicken fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumplings. According to federal officials, the items were produced between October 21, 2024, and February 26, 2026. The initial recall involved two products, but the expanded list now includes 16 items under several brand names.
Brands affected include Ajinomoto, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Ling Ling, and Tai Pei. Many of these products were sold in popular grocery stores nationwide, making the recall especially broad in scope. Best by dates range from February 28, 2026, through August 19, 2027.
Consumers can identify the recalled products by looking for establishment numbers P 18356, P 18356B, or P 47971 inside the USDA mark of inspection or by checking the updated list here and here. Officials stress that these items were widely distributed to retail locations across the United States, with select products also shipped internationally.
How the Contamination Was Discovered
The problem came to light after multiple consumer complaints reported finding pieces of glass in the food. According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the company notified federal officials once the complaints were received.
Upon investigation, the company determined that a vegetable ingredient, specifically carrots, was the likely source of the contamination. That finding expanded the scope of the recall because the same ingredient was used in additional products beyond the original two frozen rice items.
As of the latest update, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries related to the recalled products. However, because glass fragments pose a serious health risk, including potential cuts to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, the recall was classified at the highest risk level.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Federal officials are concerned that some of the recalled products may still be in consumers’ freezers. Because the items are frozen and have best by dates extending into 2027, they could remain in storage for months if not identified.
Consumers who purchased the affected products are urged not to eat them. Instead, they should throw the items away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Anyone worried about a possible injury should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
For questions, consumers can contact Ajinomoto Foods North America’s Consumer Affairs department at 855 742 5011 or email [email protected]. Food safety concerns can also be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888 674 6854 or through the agency’s online complaint system. Acting quickly can reduce the risk and prevent potential harm.
