Trader Joe's Recalls Signature Chicken Soup Dumplings Due to Possible Sharpie-like Plastic Contamination

On Saturday, US authorities announced that more than 61,000 pounds of Trader Joe's steamed chicken soup dumplings were being recalled due to the possibility of containing hard plastic.

The Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service reported that the dumplings produced by the California-based CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp. may be contaminated with foreign materials, "specifically hard plastic from a permanent marker pen."

Trader Joe's Chicken Soup Dumplings Recalled

According to FSIS, the recall came after consumers reported discovering hard plastic in Trader Joe's-branded products. To date, no related illnesses or injuries have been reported.

FSIS advised customers to check their freezers. The 6-ounce "Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings" that are subject to the recall were made on December 7, 2023, and their lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 and 03.07.25.C1-2 can be identified on the side box labels.

Trader Joe's urged consumers to dispose of the impacted dumplings or return them to any store location for a full refund in an online post about the recall.

ACJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp. spokesperson told The Associated Press that the company was looking into the issue that occurred during the manufacturing process. In an email, the food manufacturer stated, "Customer safety remains our No. 1 priority."

Furthermore, one of the most common causes of food recalls in the US nowadays is foreign object contamination. Beyond plastic, metal shavings, insect parts, and other "extraneous" items have been identified by making their way into packaged goods.

Trader Joe's Recalls Pilaf for Possible Rock Contamination

The FSIS announced a public health alert for a chicken pilaf at Trader Joe's due to the possibility of rock contamination. The federal agency claimed in a notice on February 7 that it had received numerous complaints from customers reporting that they had found pebbles in 14-ounce packages of Trader Joe's Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf that were sold nationwide. One person reported a dental injury after eating the pilaf.

The FSIS claimed the product has no recall since it is no longer for sale. The chicken pilaf was produced between November 1, 2023, and January 19, 2024, and has the establishment number "P-45322" inside the USDA inspection mark.

Furthermore, people with chicken pilaf in their freezers are advised to throw it away or return it. Trader Joe's announced that anyone who purchased it can replace the pilaf for a full refund.

On February 7, the grocery chain declared that it had recalled three goods related to a fatal listeria outbreak that has sickened numerous people and has been linked to cheese and other dairy products sold by California-based Rizo López Foods.

Trader Joe's has also recalled its Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, and Elote Chopped Salad Kit. The products are made with cotija cheese by Rizo López Foods and could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogene.