Conagra Recalls Over 245,000 Pounds of Frozen Chicken Strips After Customer Injury

Frozen chicken strips product recalled by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service on Sept. 2, 2023. Screenshot via The Epoch Times/USDA

Conagra Brands has recalled more than 245,000 pounds of frozen Banquet chicken strips entrees that may be contaminated with plastic pieces, after a consumer reported suffering oral injuries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

FSIS said that the Chicago-based company is recalling about 245,366 pounds of frozen chicken strip entree meals produced on June 20, July 11, and July 17, in a statement on Sept. 2.

These products carry the establishment number “EST. P-9” on the side of the carton. FSIS said they were recalled over possible contamination with “extraneous materials,” specifically “pieces of plastic.”

“FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” it stated.

FSIS said the problem was discovered after Conagra received a consumer complaint of plastic in the chicken strip portion of the product. The consumer reportedly sustained an oral injury.

“FSIS has received no additional reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider,” the department stated.

FSIS stated on the same day that Hillshire Brands Co. recalled 15,876 pounds of blended meat and poultry smoked sausage products that may be contaminated with bone fragments.

These items were shipped to retail stores in California, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. FSIS said a consumer sustained oral injury after consuming this product.

Almost 2.6 Million Pounds of Meat Products Recalled

Earlier this year, Conagra recalled roughly 2,581,816 pounds of canned meat and poultry products after U.S. authorities deemed them a potential health risk due to likely contamination.

FSIS stated that Conagra issued the recall over a packaging defect found in products, which can result in the items getting contaminated. No outward signs of contamination might be visible.

“The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS after observing spoiled and/or leaking cans from multiple production dates at the establishment’s warehouse,” the alert said.

“Subsequent investigation by the establishment determined that the cans subject to recall may have been damaged in a manner that is not readily apparent to consumers, which may allow foodborne pathogens to enter the cans.”

No confirmed reports of adverse reactions resulting from consumption have been received. The alert asked people concerned about illness or injury caused by consuming the items to contact a health care provider.

“The biggest risk of cans that are bulging, leaking, or badly dented is that the food could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which you can’t see or taste,” said James E. Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at the nonprofit organization Consumer Reports. “The toxin it produces can be deadly even in very small amounts.”

Naveen Athrappully contributed to this report.