What's Happening?
Suzanna's Kitchen, a food manufacturer based in Suwanee, Georgia, has issued a recall for more than 62,000 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products. The recall was prompted by the discovery of soy, an undeclared allergen, in the products,
as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The affected chicken was produced on October 16 and distributed to restaurants nationwide, posing a potential risk to individuals with soy allergies. The recall involves 18-lb. cases containing four units of 'FULLY COOKED BREADED CHICKEN PORTIONS,' marked with the case code 'P-1380 126237 B30851 23:11 K04' and the USDA mark of inspection with establishment number 'P-1380.' No adverse health reactions have been reported yet, but the FSIS advises caution. Restaurants are urged to check their inventories and remove the affected products to prevent exposure to consumers.
Why It's Important?
This recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling and allergen management in the food industry. Undeclared allergens are a leading cause of food recalls in the United States, posing significant health risks to individuals with allergies. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and the need for stringent quality control measures. For consumers with soy allergies, the presence of undeclared soy in widely distributed products can lead to severe allergic reactions, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance in food production and distribution. The recall also impacts restaurants nationwide, which must now manage the removal and safe disposal of the affected products, potentially affecting their operations and customer trust.
What's Next?
FSIS will continue to monitor the recall's effectiveness, ensuring that the affected chicken is removed from restaurant inventories and that all stakeholders are informed. Restaurants are advised to thoroughly clean any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Consumers are encouraged to dispose of or return the products to the place of purchase. Updates and distribution lists will be made available on the FSIS website as the situation develops. The incident may prompt further scrutiny and regulatory measures to enhance food safety protocols and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
