Wegmans Food Markets has issued a serious recall of its frozen chicken breast nuggets due to potential contamination with bone fragments, raising alarm among consumers and food safety officials.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) alerted the public on January 24, 2025, following multiple consumer complaints. The recalled product, labeled as "Wegmans Family Pack Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast with Rib Meat," is being recalled as it poses significant health risks due to the presence of bone fragments, which can result in choking hazards and even severe injury, especially for children.
Wegmans has stated, "If you have purchased these chicken nuggets, do not eat them." Instead, consumers are advised to throw the affected nuggets away or return them to Wegmans for a full refund. This precaution is particularly important as the nuggets may still be present in customers' freezers even though they are no longer available on store shelves.
The details surrounding the recalled nuggets are as follows: they come packaged in 46-ounce plastic bags and carry the establishment number P-33944 inside the USDA mark of inspection. The best-if-used-by date for these nuggets is August 26, 2025, with the UPC code being 0-77890-25210-9. These products were estimated to have been sold predominantly across several states, including Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Despite the seriousness of the issue, the FSIS has confirmed there have been no reported injuries or illnesses linked to this specific recall. The USDA issued this alert as a preventive measure to safeguard public health, indicating its commitment to consumer safety. The agency reported discovering the problem after receiving numerous consumer complaints about bone fragments, which sparked the investigation.
Health officials remind consumers of the potential dangers posed by such contaminants. According to the FSIS, "Bone fragments can pose serious health risks, especially to children." This guidance serves as a stark reminder to pay close attention to food safety alerts and to regularly check freezers for recalled items.
For individuals who have the affected product, Wegmans has facilitated communication by providing its helpline at 1-855-934-3663. The customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET, and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET on weekends. Customers are encouraged to inquire about the recall and to safely exchange their products.
The importance of staying informed about food recalls cannot be underestimated, particularly with regards to ensuring the safety of families. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant not just for their personal health but for the well-being of their loved ones, especially those at greater risk of foodborne hazards.
This recall encapsulates the type of proactive steps necessary to avoid potentially dangerous food incidents. With the potential for contamination confirmed and consumer exposure assessed, the FSIS is taking every measure to protect consumers and to mitigate future risks.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety regulations and the role they play in preventing food-related injuries. Consumers are advised to keep abreast of food safety information provided by the USDA and local health authorities to safeguard their health and the health of their families.