The U.S. company Hormel Foods has ordered the recall of approximately 2,200 tons, about 5 million pounds, of boneless, frozen chicken products that were distributed to restaurants and food service providers across the United States.
The reason for the recall was that some customers reported finding metal fragments in chicken breasts and thighs. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the issue originated from a food conveyor belt used during the production process.
The affected products were sold between February 10 and September 19 of this year, exclusively to food industry businesses and not directly to consumers. Authorities have recommended that any remaining recalled batches be discarded if found in the freezers of restaurants, hotels, or cafeterias nationwide.
How serious is this situation for consumers and the food industry?
The truth is, it’s quite serious. Although no illnesses or confirmed injuries have been reported so far, the presence of metal in food poses a real health hazard and undermines trust in the supply chain. This incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen quality control in food production processes.