Massive Recall on Perdue Chicken Nuggets Due to Unusual Contamination

Perdue Foods is recalling 167,000 pounds of chicken nuggets after potential metal contamination was discovered.

At a Glance

167,000 pounds of Perdue chicken nuggets are recalled for possible metal wire contamination.
The recall includes Perdue Breaded Chicken Tenders, Butcher Box Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets, and Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets.
No injuries or adverse reactions have been reported to date.
Consumers are urged to discard or return the contaminated products for a full refund.

Potential Metal Contamination Leads to Recall

Perdue Foods has initiated a recall of approximately 167,000 pounds of various chicken products due to the potential presence of metal wire contamination. The recall includes products such as Perdue Breaded Chicken Tenders, Butcher Box Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets, and Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets. These products are sold under multiple brands and have a best-if-used-by date of March 23, 2025.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that Georgia-based Perdue Foods is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders over concerns they may be contaminated.”

This recall was alerted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) after consumer complaints about metal wire in the product. The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure consumers are notified. For questions, consumers can contact Perdue at 866-866-3703 or the USDA at 888-674-6854.

Product Details and Consumer Actions

The recall specifically involves products produced on March 23, 2024, identified with establishment number “P-33944.” Consumers are strongly advised to check their purchases for these details to ensure their safety. Perdue is offering full refunds for the affected products.

No injuries or adverse reactions have been reported thus far. However, the USDA advises anyone concerned about injury or illness to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

RECALL: Perdue Foods has recalled over 160,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders for possible metal contamination, the Food Safety and Inspection Service announced. Here's what you need to know. https://t.co/wLpyDU3DoK

— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) August 18, 2024

Implications for Food Safety

Food safety continues to be a prominent issue, as evidenced by this recent recall. Foreign object contamination, such as metal wire, remains a common reason for food recalls in the U.S. Notably, Tyson Foods similarly recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets last November for the same reason.

“‘We determined the material to be a very thin strand of metal wire that was inadvertently introduced into the manufacturing process,’ said Jeff Shaw, senior vice president of food safety and quality for Perdue. ‘Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to voluntarily recall all of these packages of products.’”

The effectiveness of the recall and how quickly consumers respond can impact public health. FSIS’s recall effectiveness checks help monitor and ensure that all potentially contaminated products are removed from circulation.