Hormel Recalls Nearly 5 Million Pounds of Frozen Chicken After Metal Fragments Found — Georgia Restaurants Urged to Check Supplies

ATLANTA, Ga. — Hormel Foods has announced a nationwide recall of nearly 4.9 million pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken after customers discovered metal fragments in some products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The recall affects several varieties of Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS chicken breast and thigh products distributed between February 10 and September 19, 2025, to commercial foodservice operations, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and schools across the country — Georgia included.

State officials say the recall is particularly important for food service operators in metro Atlanta and surrounding counties, where Hormel’s food distribution partners are active. The Georgia Department of Public Health has urged establishments to review their frozen inventory immediately to ensure recalled items are removed and not served.

“Restaurants and institutions should take this recall seriously and check their freezers,” a department spokesperson said. “Any affected products should be discarded or returned to the distributor to prevent potential harm.”

The contamination was traced to a damaged conveyor belt used in production. While no injuries have been reported, the USDA advises that anyone who may have consumed the contaminated chicken and experienced symptoms such as mouth injuries or abdominal pain should seek medical attention immediately.

Products affected include:

• 13.9-lb. cases of All Natural Boneless Chicken Thigh Meat (Item Code: 65009)
• 13.8-lb. cases of 3-oz. All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast (Item Code: 77531)
• 13.8-lb. cases of 4-oz. All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast (Item Code: 46750)
• 23.8-lb. cases of 5-oz. All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast (Item Code: 86206)
• 13.95-lb. cases of Boneless Chicken Breast with Rib Meat (Item Code: 134394)

FSIS warned that some recalled products may still be in storage freezers at Georgia restaurants or catering suppliers. Because the items were distributed in bulk packaging to foodservice clients — not retail stores — consumers may have eaten recalled chicken without realizing it.

Hormel said it is cooperating fully with regulators to remove the products from distribution and prevent future contamination.

Consumers or businesses with questions about the recall can contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations at 1-800-523-4635 or visit www.hormelfoods.com for more information.