Photo courtesy FSIS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert due to concerns of a frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken pilaf product from Trader Joe’s that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically rocks. FSIS issued the alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.
The frozen RTE chicken, lentil and caramelized onion pilaf product was produced on various dates from Nov. 1, 2023, through Jan. 19, 2024. The following product is subject to the public health alert (view labels):
- 14-oz. plastic packages containing “Trader Joe’s Chicken, Lentil, & Caramelized Onion Pilaf WITH SAFFRON BASMATI RICE, DARK CHICKEN MEAT, DATES & GOLDEN RAISINS.”
The product bears the establishment number “P-45322” inside of the USDA mark of inspection. The product was distributed to Trader Joe’s grocery stores nationwide.
The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received multiple consumer complaints of rocks in the chicken pilaf. One consumer reported a dental injury from consuming the product.
FSIS has received no additional reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products. Those concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it. The product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
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