Over 30 tons of chicken recalled: what to know

Suzanna’s Kitchen, a food manufacturer based in Suwanee, Georgia, recalled more than 62,000 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The recall came after officials discovered the presence of soy, an undeclared allergen, according to the advisory issued on Friday.

Mislabeling and undeclared allergens are a leading cause of food recalls in the United States, highlighting ongoing challenges in food labeling and allergy risk management.

FSIS officials said the chicken, which was produced on October 16, shipped to restaurants nationwide, meaning that individuals who dine out may be exposed to the risk even if they do not purchase the items directly from a store.

No confirmed adverse health reactions have been reported so far, but authorities urge caution as the undeclared soy poses a potential hazard to affected individuals.

The recall applies to “18-lb. cases containing four units of ‘FULLY COOKED BREADED CHICKEN PORTIONS,’” with the case code “P-1380 126237 B30851 23:11 K04” printed on the side of each package. The products in question also display the USDA mark of inspection with establishment number “P-1380.”

Suzanna’s Kitchen notified FSIS upon identifying that chicken containing soy was inadvertently labeled with a code indicating the absence of allergens. FSIS then publicly announced the recall, emphasizing the risk to consumers with soy allergies.

Some of the recalled chicken product may still be present in restaurant inventories, according to the advisory. Restaurants have been advised to check refrigerators and freezers for the recalled item and dispose of or avoid serving it to patrons.

According to FoodSafety.gov, individuals should not consume recalled food products matching these details and should dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase.

Additionally, any surfaces, utensils, or cookware that have come into contact with the product should be thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water or a sanitizing solution.

FSIS continues to monitor the effectiveness of the recall, ensuring restaurant locations remove the affected chicken from circulation and affected parties are notified. Distribution lists and updates will be posted as available on the FSIS website.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Dawn Duncan, Customer Service Director at Suzanna’s Kitchen, at dduncan@suzannaskitchen.com, or reach the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.