More than 3.3 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice have been recalled in the United States after reports that the product may contain pieces of glass. The recall, announced by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), carries a Class I risk designation.
The affected items were distributed nationwide and include products sold at Trader Joe’s stores. Although no injuries have been reported, officials have urged consumers to check their freezers and avoid consuming the recalled food.
The scale of the recall and its high-risk classification place it among the more serious recent food safety alerts. According to the FSIS, the designation signals a “reasonable probability” that consuming the product could cause serious adverse health consequences.
Products Affected and Reason for the Recall
According to the FSIS notice, Ajinomoto Foods North America has recalled approximately 3,370,530 pounds of frozen chicken fried rice produced between 8 September and 17 November 2025. The agency stated that the products “may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass”.
The recalled retail product was sold in 20-ounce plastic bags labelled “Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice with stir-fried rice, vegetables, seasoned dark chicken meat, and eggs”. These packages bear establishment number P-18356 inside the USDA mark of inspection. The best-by dates range from 8 September 2026 through 17 November 2026.
The products were shipped to Trader Joe’s retail locations nationwide. According to the FSIS, the issue came to light after Ajinomoto informed the agency that it had received four consumer complaints reporting the presence of glass in the product.
In addition to the US recall, Ajinomoto has also withdrawn 1.53-kilogram cardboard packages containing six bags of “Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice” that were exported to Canada. Despite the seriousness of the classification, the FSIS confirmed at the time of publishing that no injuries or illnesses linked to the recalled products had been reported.
Guidance for Consumers and Next Steps
The FSIS expressed concern that some of the recalled products may remain in retailers’ or consumers’ freezers. It advised customers to check packaging carefully for the establishment number and relevant best-by dates.
Consumers who have purchased the affected items have been instructed not to consume them. Instead, they should either dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase. The agency said it would post any available retail distribution lists on its website to help inform both consumers and retailers.
According to the FSIS, individuals with questions or concerns can contact Ajinomoto’s Consumer Affairs division by telephone at (855) 742-5011 or by email at [email protected].
The withdrawal was initiated after Ajinomoto informed the FSIS that it had received four consumer complaints reporting the presence of glass in the product. This led to the agency issuing a nationwide alert and announcing the withdrawal of the affected items. At the time of publication, the FSIS stated that no injuries or illnesses linked to the recalled products had been reported. The agency continues to advise consumers to check their freezers and follow the recall guidance if they have purchased the affected products.
