News Feature | April 7, 2014

USDA Issues Class II Recall Of Tyson Chicken Nuggets

By Laurel Maloy, contributing writer, Food Online

USDA Class II Tyson Recall

The U.S.’s largest producer of chicken products has announced a recall of more than 75,000 pounds of its chicken nuggets, stating the products may be “contaminated with extraneous materials”

Tyson Foods, the nation’s second largest food processor, with facilities in 26 states, has issued a recall of more than 75,000 pounds of breaded and fully cooked, frozen chicken nuggets. Announced by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Apr 4, 2014, the problem was discovered as the result of consumer complaints. According to Tyson, “a small number of customers” reported minor incidences of oral injury due to small pieces of hard plastic in the nuggets. The problem was traced back to a product scraper inside a blending machine in one of its 40 processing facilities.

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The recall has been classified a Class Il by the USDA. This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product. The USDA considers the health risk low. Five-pound bags sold at Sam’s Clubs nationwide, as well as 20 pound bulk packs for institutional use are affected. Both product packages bear the establishment number P-13556:

  • 5-lb bags — “Tyson Fully Cooked White Meat Chicken Nuggets” with “Best if Used By” date of Jan 26, 2015 and Feb 16, 2015. Produced on Jan 26, and Feb 16, 2014, the manufacturer’s codes “0264SDL0315 through 19” and “0474SDL0311 through 14” can be found on the packages  
  • 20-lb bulk packages — “Spare Time Fully Cooked Nugget-Shaped Chicken Breast Pattie Fritters w/Rib Meat – 16142-861” were shipped for unspecified institutional use in IN and AR. Case codes “0264SDL0315 through 19” and 0474SDL0311 through 14” can be found on the packages.

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FSIS has not received any additional reports of injury or illness associated with the consumption of these products. Persons who believe they may have been injured, or have children with unexplained oral injuries, after consumption of these products should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Tyson Foods Customer Service at (866) 328-3156.