Federal officials and a major food company are issuing a nationwide recall after reports of potential contamination have raised concerns about consumer safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is alerting the public to avoid certain frozen food products that may contain foreign objects, including pieces of glass. The recall comes after multiple consumer complaints prompted an investigation into the affected items.
According to USDA officials, the recall is voluntary but precautionary, and it covers millions of pounds of products sold both in the United States and Canada. Food safety authorities stressed that, while no injuries have been reported, consumers should take the warning seriously and follow guidance on disposal or return of the items.
The initial problem was detected after four separate complaints from consumers who reported finding glass fragments in the food. Investigators immediately coordinated with the company to determine the scope of the issue, identify affected batches, and issue a public alert. USDA experts emphasized that foreign object contamination in frozen foods, while relatively rare, presents a serious health risk, as glass can cause cuts or other internal injuries if ingested.
Authorities advised consumers to check their freezers for products that match the general description of the recall and not to consume any items until they could confirm they were unaffected. Retailers were also instructed to remove the impacted products from shelves and ensure that inventory matches were cross-checked against the recall notice.
The company at the center of the recall, based in Portland, Oregon, has confirmed the situation and is working closely with regulators to remove potentially contaminated items from circulation. Officials say the company is cooperating fully and taking all necessary steps to protect the public.
Details of the Recall
Midway through the investigation, the affected products were identified as frozen chicken fried rice sold at a popular grocery chain in the U.S. and similar packaged meals sold in Canada. Specifically, Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. announced the recall of Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice, a frozen product containing fried rice, vegetables, chicken meat, and eggs. The meals are packaged in 20-ounce plastic bags and have best-by dates ranging from September 8 through November 17, 2026. The products are marked with the establishment number P-18356 inside the USDA inspection mark.
In addition to the U.S. recall, the company also issued a recall in Canada for cardboard packages containing six bags of Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Rice. The Canadian packages carry best-by dates of September 9 through November 12, 2026. Retailers in Canada were advised to remove the products from sale immediately to prevent any potential injuries.
The company explained that the contamination was discovered following consumer complaints and a subsequent internal investigation. While no injuries have been reported to date, officials urged caution. Consumers are advised to either throw the affected products away or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.
Health and Safety Considerations
Glass contamination in food presents a serious health hazard. If ingested, small shards can cause cuts to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Food safety authorities emphasized that even though the current reports indicate no injuries, the risk remains high enough to justify the recall.
Consumers were advised to handle any potentially contaminated products carefully. Freezing does not reduce the risk of injury from glass, and care should be taken to avoid accidental exposure while inspecting packages. Authorities also recommended checking all packaging carefully, as the affected batches are identified by specific best-by dates and packaging numbers.
Retailers have been asked to coordinate with the company to identify and remove any products still on shelves. The USDA and Canadian food safety agencies provided guidance to store managers on how to quarantine or dispose of the items safely. The agencies also reminded consumers that recalls like this are precautionary and designed to prevent injuries rather than respond to widespread illness.
Industry and Regulatory Response
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. expressed regret over the situation and reassured the public that safety is its top priority. In a statement, the company said it is conducting a thorough review of its production and packaging processes to prevent any recurrence of the issue.
“The safety of our customers is our highest concern,” the statement read. “We are working closely with the USDA and Canadian food authorities to ensure all affected products are removed from the market and to implement additional safeguards at our facilities.”
USDA officials highlighted that recalls of frozen prepared meals, while uncommon, are taken very seriously. The department monitors food manufacturing facilities regularly and provides oversight to ensure compliance with federal safety standards. The presence of glass in processed foods is considered a critical violation, triggering immediate action when detected.
Food safety experts note that recalls like this serve as reminders of the importance of inspection and quality control in large-scale food production. While incidents of contamination are rare compared to the volume of products manufactured, even a small number of complaints can indicate systemic issues that must be addressed promptly.
Consumer Guidance
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should carefully check the best-by dates and packaging numbers to determine if they are affected. Those who find that their items are part of the recall are instructed not to consume them under any circumstances.
Affected U.S. customers can return the products to Trader Joe’s stores for a full refund. Canadian customers should follow guidance from local retailers regarding disposal or return. Food authorities also recommend keeping the packaging until the return or disposal is complete to ensure accurate identification of affected batches.
The USDA emphasized that consumers should remain vigilant for other recalls and stay informed through official channels, including the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website and the company’s customer service lines. The agency also reminded the public that most frozen food products are safe and that recalls are a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining consumer confidence.
Broader Implications
The recall underscores the challenges faced by companies producing frozen meals at scale. High-volume production facilities must maintain strict quality control protocols to prevent foreign object contamination. Even with rigorous processes in place, occasional lapses can occur, highlighting the importance of rapid response and transparency when issues arise.
Industry analysts note that recalls, while costly, are an essential part of maintaining consumer trust. By acting quickly and communicating clearly, companies can limit potential harm and reinforce their commitment to safety. The Ajinomoto recall serves as a case study in how both manufacturers and regulators must coordinate to protect public health.
Looking Forward
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. said it is reviewing its entire supply chain and packaging procedures to reduce the risk of contamination in the future. The company plans to implement enhanced screening and inspection techniques at its production facilities and improve employee training on safety protocols.
Food safety officials will continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that recalled products are effectively removed from circulation. Consumers are encouraged to report any concerns or incidents to local authorities or the company directly to help prevent further risk.
While the recall affects millions of pounds of frozen meals across North America, authorities stress that the swift response helps mitigate potential hazards and reassures the public that food safety remains a top priority. Consumers should remain cautious, follow guidance on disposal or returns, and stay informed through official channels to ensure they are not exposed to contaminated products.
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.
