The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a significant recall of 62,550 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken due to misbranding and the presence of an undeclared allergen. The recall, initiated this week, affects products packed on October 16, 2025, by Suzanna’s Kitchen, located in Suwanee, Georgia, and distributed to restaurant locations across the country.
According to FSIS officials, the chicken contains soy, a major allergen that was not declared on the product labeling. Soy is one of nine major food allergens identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alongside milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and sesame. The failure to properly label the presence of soy poses a serious health risk to consumers with allergies, who may experience reactions ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
The affected product comes in eight-piece portions, packaged in 18-pound cases containing four units each. The product code, printed on the side of the packaging, reads P-1380 126237 B30851 23:11 K04. FSIS advised that restaurants and consumers who have purchased the chicken should discard it immediately and check refrigerators and freezers to ensure that no contaminated product remains.
FSIS stated that the problem came to light when Suzanna’s Kitchen voluntarily informed the agency that the product had been mislabeled with a non-allergen-containing code. While the company’s leadership did not respond to requests for further comment, the recall demonstrates the importance of proactive reporting and compliance with federal food safety regulations.
“This recall underscores the critical role that proper labeling plays in protecting consumers,” said FSIS officials in a statement. “Failure to declare allergens on products can have serious health consequences, and we urge all businesses and consumers to check for the affected product codes.”
The recent recall is part of a growing trend of meat withdrawals across the United States. Earlier in the summer of 2025, FSIS announced the recall of 32,000 pounds of meat produced over an 18-month period by Sabrositos Hondurenos, a relatively new company based in Honduras but operating in the U.S. market. In that case, six specific meat products—including chorizo sausage, pork chops, and ribs—were found to carry an improper USDA mark of approval and were distributed without federal inspection. The establishment number stamped on the products, EST. 1785, was deemed false, rendering the products misbranded and unsafe for consumption.
Diego Funez Garrido, owner of Sabrositos Hondurenos, noted that while he could control products sold directly through his stores, he had limited oversight once they were resold by other retailers. “If they bought it at my store, there is no issue,” Garrido explained. “If you buy from me and then you resell at your store, I can’t control that because the product already left my store.”
FSIS emphasized that meat and poultry produced without proper federal inspection may contain harmful bacteria, undeclared allergens, or other contaminants that pose significant risks to public health. These recalls serve as a crucial safeguard to prevent potentially dangerous products from reaching consumers.
This summer’s recall followed other significant incidents, such as the withdrawal of 1,065 pounds of fully cooked frozen ground beef by Ada Valley Meat Company of Ada, Michigan. Packed on May 28 and May 30, 2025, the beef products were recalled over concerns that they may have been contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal. The establishment number EST. 10031 was stamped on the packaging, and FSIS quickly took action to mitigate potential risks.
Such incidents highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety in the United States, particularly as meat and poultry products move through complex supply chains that include multiple distributors, retailers, and foodservice establishments. Federal regulations require strict adherence to inspection protocols, accurate labeling, and the proper declaration of allergens, as failure in any of these areas can have serious consequences.
Soy, the undeclared allergen in the Suzanna’s Kitchen recall, is among the most common food allergens in the United States, affecting millions of people. Symptoms of soy allergy can include hives, itching, gastrointestinal distress, respiratory difficulties, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. For those with soy allergies, consuming mislabeled products can be life-threatening, making prompt identification and removal of contaminated items from the marketplace critical.
FSIS has issued guidance for both businesses and consumers affected by the recall. Restaurants and foodservice operators are urged to check their inventory for any products matching the affected code and immediately dispose of any items found. Consumers who purchased the chicken are advised to return it to the place of purchase or discard it safely. Individuals with soy allergies should remain particularly vigilant and seek medical attention if they suspect exposure.
The recall also draws attention to the broader issue of food labeling and the importance of transparency in food production. Federal regulations mandate that major allergens, including soy, must be clearly declared on packaging to protect consumers. FSIS and the FDA work in tandem to monitor compliance and enforce recalls when necessary, ensuring public safety remains a top priority.
In addition to regulatory oversight, industry experts stress the need for companies to implement robust internal controls to prevent mislabeling and contamination. Regular audits, employee training, and proper documentation of production processes are key measures that can reduce the likelihood of such recalls and protect consumer trust.
Suzanna’s Kitchen, though voluntary in its recall, joins a growing list of companies whose products have been withdrawn from the market due to allergen mislabeling. While voluntary recalls are often the fastest way to remove potentially hazardous items, they also underscore the ongoing need for vigilance in food production and distribution.
The scale of the current recall—62,550 pounds—is notable not only for the quantity of product involved but also for the potential reach across the U.S. restaurant and foodservice sectors. FSIS officials noted that such large-scale recalls require coordination with distributors, restaurants, and state authorities to ensure the effective removal of affected products.
In recent years, consumer awareness of food allergens has increased significantly, driven by rising prevalence of allergies and public health campaigns. This heightened awareness means that food recalls involving undeclared allergens can have substantial repercussions for both public health and brand reputation. Companies like Suzanna’s Kitchen face not only regulatory scrutiny but also potential loss of consumer confidence if such issues are not addressed promptly.
The FSIS continues to monitor the situation and has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available. Officials reiterated that adherence to federal inspection requirements and accurate labeling is essential for the safety of all consumers.
As the industry responds to this and other recent recalls, the focus remains on minimizing risks and protecting the public. For restaurants and retailers, the message is clear: check inventory thoroughly, follow federal guidance, and prioritize consumer safety above all else.
The ongoing trend of meat recalls highlights the critical role of federal oversight in maintaining food safety standards in the United States. From mislabeling and undeclared allergens to foreign material contamination, these incidents serve as reminders of the complexities involved in ensuring that food reaching American tables is safe and properly labeled.
FSIS urges consumers and foodservice operators to remain vigilant, report any concerns, and comply promptly with recall notices. By doing so, the agency aims to prevent illness, protect those with allergies, and maintain confidence in the nation’s food supply chain.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
