What's Happening?
Ajinomoto Foods North America has issued a recall for approximately 3,370,530 pounds of frozen chicken fried rice due to potential contamination with glass. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall,
which affects products produced between September 8 and November 17, 2025. The recall is classified as a Class I risk, indicating a high probability of serious health consequences if consumed. The affected products include 20-ounce packages of 'Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice' and 1.53-kilogram packages of 'Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice,' the latter of which was exported to Canada. The issue was identified after Ajinomoto received four consumer complaints about glass in the product. No injuries or illnesses have been reported so far. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
Why It's Important?
This recall is significant due to the potential health risks posed by the presence of glass in food products. The recall affects a large volume of product distributed nationwide, highlighting the importance of food safety and quality control in the food industry. The incident underscores the need for rigorous inspection processes to prevent foreign material contamination. For consumers, this recall serves as a reminder to remain vigilant about product safety and to heed recall notices to avoid health hazards. For Ajinomoto, this recall could impact consumer trust and brand reputation, potentially affecting sales and market position. The recall also emphasizes the role of regulatory bodies like the FSIS in safeguarding public health by ensuring that food products meet safety standards.
What's Next?
The FSIS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, including retail distribution lists for the recalled products, to inform consumers and retailers. Ajinomoto Foods North America is expected to address the contamination issue and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Consumers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Ajinomoto’s Consumer Affairs for assistance. The company will likely conduct an internal review to identify the source of the contamination and enhance its quality control processes. Retailers will need to ensure that recalled products are removed from shelves to prevent consumer exposure.
