Costco Recalls 148,000 Pounds of Chicken Patties Due to Plastic Pieces

Costco Recalls Frozen Chicken Patties Due to Plastic Contamination

In August 2022, Foster Farms issued a recall for nearly 150,000 pounds of frozen chicken breast patties sold at Costco stores due to possible plastic contamination. The recall impacted four brands of chicken patties distributed to Costco warehouses in several western states.

Details of the Chicken Patties Recall

The recalled chicken patties were produced by Foster Farms on August 11, 2022 and distributed to Costco distribution centers in these states:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Utah
• Washington

The following brands and products are included in the recall:

• Kirkwood Raw Stuffed Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese - lot code 22159
• Kirkwood Raw Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu - lot code 22160
• Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Patties - lot codes 22161 and 22162
• Kirkwood Chicken Patties - lot code 22163

The raw stuffed chicken items were sold in 2.5-lb bags, while the breaded and regular chicken patties were sold in 6-lb bags. All affected items have a best by date of 09/15/2023.

Reason for the Recall

The chicken patties are being recalled due to possible contamination with extraneous hard plastic pieces. The plastic may originate from a food contact surface during production. The hard, sharp plastic poses a choking hazard or could cause injury to the mouth or digestive tract if consumed.

The issue was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints reporting findings of plastic in the recalled products.

Scope of the Recall

Approximately 148,000 pounds of frozen chicken patties are included in the recall. The products were shipped only to Costco distribution centers in the five states listed above. No products were shipped directly to Costco retail warehouse locations.

Health Risks from Consuming the Recalled Chicken Patties

The health risk posed by the recalled chicken patties is due to potential choking, mouth or digestive tract injury from swallowing or ingesting hard plastic pieces that may be contaminated in the products.

Symptoms that may occur if the plastic enters the digestive tract can include:

• Choking or breathing difficulties from lodged plastic
• Mouth lacerations or bleeding from sharp plastic cutting or poking soft tissues
• Pain or discomfort when swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting, or feeling something is stuck in the throat or esophagus
• Blood in stools from gastrointestinal tract damage

In severe cases, the plastic pieces could completely obstruct the throat, esophagus, or intestines, requiring emergency surgery to remove the blockage. Prompt medical attention is vital if any of these symptoms are experienced after consuming the recalled chicken.

Identifying the Recalled Chicken Patties

The recalled Kirkwood brand chicken patties can be identified by looking for the following specific product names, lot codes, and best by date on the labels:

• Kirkwood Raw Stuffed Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese - lot code 22159, best by 09/15/2023
• Kirkwood Raw Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu - lot code 22160, best by 09/15/2023
• Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Patties - lot codes 22161 and 22162, best by 09/15/2023
• Kirkwood Chicken Patties - lot code 22163, best by 09/15/2023

The raw stuffed chicken products were sold in 2.5-lb plastic bags labeled with the Kirkwood brand and product name. The breaded and regular chicken patties were sold in 6-lb plastic bags with the Kirkwood logo.

All affected items were shipped to Costco distribution centers only, not individual stores. Consumers can contact the Costco location where they purchased the chicken to determine if they carry any of the recalled products.

What to Do If You Purchased the Recalled Chicken Patties

If you have purchased any of the chicken patties included in this recall, the USDA recommends the following steps:

• Check your freezer for the recalled products based on the product names, lot codes, and best by date listed above.
• Discard any affected products or return them to the Costco warehouse for a refund.
• Clean out any containers or surfaces that may have touched the recalled chicken patties.
• Call Foster Farms Consumer Affairs at 1-800-338-8051 for any questions.

If you or someone has consumed the recalled chicken patties and is experiencing concerning symptoms such as choking, difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting, seek medical care immediately.

Why Are Food Recalls Issued?

When a problem is discovered in a food product that may pose a health or safety risk to consumers, the company will voluntarily recall the affected items to prevent further distribution or consumption. Recalls may be requested by the FDA for certain severe hazards.

Common reasons why food recalls occur include:

• Microbial contamination from bacteria, viruses, parasites
• Foreign matter contamination such as plastic, glass, metal
• Undeclared allergens or ingredients
• Chemical or pesticide residues
• Mislabeling of ingredients, nutrition facts, or allergens

Companies specify which products, lot codes or use by dates are impacted so consumers can check if they have an affected item at home. Its important to follow recommended steps when a recall is issued to prevent possible illness or injury.

How to Stay Updated on Food Recalls

Here are some tips to stay up-to-date on the latest food recalls so you can check your home for any potentially unsafe products:

• Sign up for email alerts from sites like foodsafety.gov and recall.fda.gov
• Follow the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service on Twitter or Facebook
• Regularly check sites like fda.gov, fsis.usda.gov, and foodsafety.gov for the latest alerts
• Report any concerns or possible foodborne illnesses to the FDA
• Contact the manufacturer if you have questions about a recalled product

Staying informed about food recalls can help protect you and your family from consuming unsafe foods and prevent potentially serious health consequences.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.