2M Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Chicken Breasts Recalled Because It May Be Undercooked

Due to concerns that certain ready-to-eat chicken products may actually be undercooked, about two million pounds of breast meat sold under the Hormel and National Steak and Poultry labels are being recalled amid concerns about an increased risk of food poisoning. 

The “cooked” chicken breast recall was first announced by the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on November 23, initially suggesting that only about 17,500 pounds were impacted. However, on December 4, the recall was expanded to include a total 1,993,528 pounds of diced grilled boneless chicken breast meat and roasted chicken breast strips.

The action was first initiated after a customer complained to National Steak and Poultry, based out of Owasso, Oklahoma, indicating the chicken looked raw or undercooked. The original recall consisted of products produced and packaged on October 4 and 5. The expanded recall includes additional ready-to-eat chicken products and production dates ranging from August 20 to November 30, 2016.

Health officials say undercooked chicken has a high chance of allowing bacteria, such as Salmonella, to survive in the food products, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning can include severe diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and fatigue. To date, no confirmed reports of illness have been linked to the massive chicken recall.

The recalled products were shipped to service locations nationwide, and in some cases were sold directly to retail customers during monthly dock sales.

The undercooked chicken products were mostly sold under the National Steak and Poultry (NSP) line, though some were sold under the Hormel label as well. The cases of ready-to-eat chicken breast involved in the recall have the establishment number “P-6010T” stamped inside the USDA mark of inspection. The FSIS has published a full list of the affected products.

The FSIS has labeled this a Class I recall, saying that the risk of illness is high, and could result in serious illness and even death.

Consumers are urged to check to see if they have the recalled chicken products, and if they do, not to consume them. The FSIS recommends that the products be thrown away or returned to the place of purchace.

Consumers with questions about the recall can call Lyle Orwig at (262) 352-2426.