Glass contamination recall involving Ajinomoto/Trader Joe’s chicken fried rice products
Trader Joe’s Fried Rice Glass Recall
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a nationwide recall of Ajinomoto and Trader Joe’s frozen chicken fried rice products due to the potential presence of glass fragments, posing a serious physical hazard to consumers. This recall affects millions of pounds of products distributed across numerous states, prompting urgent consumer warnings and disposal instructions.
Details of the Recall
The recall covers approximately 3 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice under the Ajinomoto and Trader Joe’s brands. The affected products have best-by dates ranging from September 8, 2026, through November 17, 2026.
- Brands Involved: Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. and Trader Joe’s
- Product Description: Frozen chicken fried rice in retail packaging
- Best-By Dates: 9/8/2026 through 11/17/2026
- Potential Hazard: Possible contamination with glass pieces, presenting a risk of injury if consumed
The FSIS has strongly urged consumers not to consume these products and to immediately check their freezers for any affected lots. Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to discard them safely or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
FSIS Notices and Consumer Guidance
The FSIS released official notices detailing the recall and emphasizing the following points:
- The glass contamination was identified during routine quality control checks by the manufacturers.
- There have been no reported injuries to date, but the risk requires immediate action.
- Consumers should carefully inspect product packaging for the specified best-by dates before consumption.
- Retailers and distributors have been instructed to remove all affected lots from shelves and storage.
Consumers with questions or concerns can contact the companies directly or visit the FSIS website for more information.
Broader Context
This recall adds to a growing series of food safety challenges in 2026, including ongoing Salmonella outbreaks linked to frozen ready-to-eat meals among other products. While those outbreaks primarily involve bacterial contamination, the Ajinomoto/Trader Joe’s recall highlights the critical importance of vigilance against physical contaminants such as glass, which can cause severe injury.
Summary and Consumer Action Steps
- Do not eat Ajinomoto or Trader Joe’s chicken fried rice with best-by dates between 9/8/2026 and 11/17/2026.
- Dispose of or return these products according to FSIS and retailer instructions.
- Monitor for injury symptoms such as mouth or throat pain, cuts, or bleeding after consumption of any recalled product.
- Stay updated with FDA, FSIS, and company announcements regarding ongoing recalls and food safety alerts.
This recall underscores the ongoing need for stringent quality control and rapid regulatory response to protect consumers from both microbial and physical food hazards in complex supply chains.