More Than 2 Million Pounds of Chicken Recalled for Metal Contamination

More than 2 million pounds of chicken are being recalled because the poultry may be contaminated with metal. According to a USA Today news report, Simmons Prepared Foods, based in Arkansas, is recalling several of its ready-to-cook chicken products including chicken legs, wings and whole chickens. The notice says the chicken was shipped to institutions including restaurants, schools, hospitals and distributors in California, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. The recall doesn’t include chicken sold in stores.

Details of the Recall

The recalled items were produced between Oct. 21 and Nov. 4. The recall notice said there are concerns that some of the products might be frozen and in freezers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is advising institutions not to serve these products. The USDA has also classified the recall as “Class I,” which means it is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the product’s use will cause serious health consequences or death. However, officials say, so far, there have been no reports of adverse events as a result of these products.

Metal Contamination in Food

We’ve seen a number of recalls involving extraneous items such as rubber, plastic and metal in processed food. With the mechanization of food production, the likelihood of food getting contaminated with foreign objects has dramatically increased. When items such as glass pieces or metal pieces get mixed in with food, the consequences could be serious. People who consume this contaminated food may suffer oral injuries or even metal poisoning. They may suffer internal injuries if they ingest the metal pieces as well.

Foreign object contamination poses a serious threat to the safety of our food supply. In one study, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that about 25% of all food-related complaints that were received over a period of one year involved the presence of a visible foreign object. This same study also indicated that nearly 15% of those who complained had reportedly suffered an injury or illness relating to the foreign object.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of contaminated food or due to a defective product, you may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced California food poisoning lawyer will be able to advise victims regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2019/11/06/2-million-pounds-chicken-recalled/2512022001/