October 29, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – Hormel Foods Corporation of Austin, Minnesota, has issued a recall of around 4,874,815 lbs of frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products after multiple reports of metal pieces found within the food products. To date, no illness or injury has been reported. The USDA has classed this as a Class I recall, meaning that the consumption of this recalled chicken product could lead to serious injury or death.
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What Products Are Affected By the Hormel Chicken Recall?
The Hormel chicken recall affects chicken breast and chicken thigh products that were distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service and sent to food service locations nationwide between February 10th, 2025, and September 19th, 2025. Each of the packages of recalled frozen chicken bears an establishment number of P-223 inside the USDA mark of inspection. A full list of affected products can be found here.
These recalled chicken products were distributed exclusively to commercial food service operations, not retail stores, so they’re unlikely to be found in the refrigerators or freezers of individual consumers. However, they may still be in the inventories of hotels, restaurants, schools, or other institutions. Any establishment that has these products on hand is urged to discard them immediately out of an abundance of caution.
The Dangers of Metal Shards in Food
The presence of any foreign material in food, including metal shards, can lead to serious injuries and health risks. When you consume food contaminated with a foreign material, such as the metal found in the recalled Hormel chicken, you run the risk of:
- Cuts/Lacerations: Metal shards are often sharp and can cause damage to the inside of your mouth, your throat, or your digestive tract. This is especially dangerous if the shards are big enough to cause perforation (the creation of a hole in a material or organ) to essential parts of your digestive system.
- Dental Damage: Unexpectedly biting down on something hard can lead to chipped or broken teeth, especially in individuals who have weakened enamel or already damaged teeth. This often requires dentist intervention to fix, which can get expensive.
- Choking: Solid pieces unable to be broken down by the act of chewing may get stuck in the esophagus or trachea, which could affect a person’s ability to breathe and lead to a medical emergency.
Additionally, there are some health risks associated with consuming metal fragments. This can include:
- Bacterial Contamination: Metal pieces, especially those from broken down machinery, can be contaminated with bacteria that can lead to illness in individuals who consume them.
- Toxic Metals: Some types of metals are toxic and not fit for consumption, and can lead to serious health risks such as kidney damage or neurological damage if consumed over an extended period of time.
- Allergies: Some people may have serious allergic reactions to certain metals, and unknowingly becoming exposed to them may lead to a serious adverse health event.
What Should I Do if I Was Harmed by the Contaminated Chicken?
While the recalled Hormel chicken was not sold to regular consumers, you may still be exposed to the chicken due to its possible presence in food service establishments. If you were injured by metal contaminants in your chicken, seek medical care as soon as possible to ensure that any injuries resulting from these metal shards are promptly treated and recorded.
Additionally, you may have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. At Ankin Law, we don’t back down when corporate negligence puts people at risk. Our attorneys can secure the evidence needed to prove your case, including witness statements, purchase receipts, photos of the product, and detailed medical records. If the company refuses to take responsibility, we’ll take the fight to court to make sure your voice is heard, and your best interests are protected
What if I Can’t Afford an Attorney?
At Ankin Law, we know unexpected injuries and illnesses caused by recalled food products can take a heavy financial toll. Medical bills, lost income, and daily expenses add up fast — and worrying about legal fees shouldn’t be another burden. That’s why we offer free consultations and handle every product liability case on a contingency fee basis.
That means you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid when we win compensation for you. No hourly fees. No surprises. Just straightforward, results-driven representation designed to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Food Recall Injury?
Every state has a legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, that limits how long you have to file a product liability lawsuit. In Illinois, most product liability claims must be filed within two years of the injury or illness. However, waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence or locate key witnesses. If you suspect that metal contamination in Hormel chicken caused your injuries, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, so your claim is protected before the deadline passes.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Contaminated Food Lawsuit?
Victims of food contamination may be entitled to several types of compensation. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, testing, surgery, or long-term treatment
- Lost wages or income if you missed work while recovering
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your illness or medical care
- In severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish reckless or negligent conduct by the manufacturer
An experienced product liability lawyer at Ankin Law can help determine the full value of your case and fight to ensure you’re compensated for everything you’ve lost.
If you or someone you love was harmed after consuming recalled Hormel chicken products, call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your rights, investigate your claim, and fight to hold Hormel accountable, because Injury Law Made Personal isn’t just our slogan, it’s our promise.
