Chicken recall classified as "highest risk"

Nearly 5 million pounds of chicken breast and thigh products have been recalled, but not due to the usual suspects of E. coli and Salmonella poisoning. This time it’s because they may contain metal fragments.

Due to the potential harm, including death, that can occur from eating the affected chicken, the recall is classified as the highest risk, known as Class 1.

Distributed by Hormel Foods Corporation, the products were sold to “foodservice customers” and not directly to consumers. Foodservice customers include restaurants, catering companies, hotels, and cafeterias.

According to the U.S.D.A. Food Safety and Inspection Service, “Hormel Foods determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production.” Hormel has stated that all businesses that purchased the affected products have been notified.

That said, I may be inclined to pass on the chicken if dining out at a restaurant or catered event.

You can read more details about the recall in this article from the Food Network:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/hormel-chicken-recall-october-2025