In a recent announcement on Saturday, U.S. regulators revealed that more than 61,000 pounds of steamed chicken soup dumplings sold at Trader Joe’s are being recalled due to potential contamination with hard plastic.
The Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) flagged the Trader Joe’s-branded dumplings, produced by CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp. based in California, for possible foreign material contamination, specifically hard plastic from a permanent marker pen.
The recall was prompted by consumer reports of discovering hard plastic in the dumplings. Despite these findings, there have been no reports of related illnesses or injuries thus far.
FSIS has issued a warning urging consumers to inspect their freezers. The affected products are 6-ounce packages of “Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings” manufactured on December 7, 2023. They can be identified by the lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 and 03.07.25.C1-2 located on the side box labels.
Trader Joe’s, in an online notice regarding the recall, has advised consumers to either dispose of the affected dumplings or return them to any store location for a full refund.
Responding to inquiries, a spokesperson for CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp. informed The Associated Press that the company is actively investigating the issue, which occurred during the manufacturing process. The food maker emphasized that customer safety remains their top priority.
Foreign object contamination represents one of the primary reasons for food recalls in the United States today. Instances of plastic, metal fragments, insect parts, and other extraneous materials finding their way into packaged goods have led to numerous recalls, underscoring the importance of rigorous quality control measures throughout the food production process.
In light of this recall, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and check their food products for any signs of contamination, prioritizing their health and safety above all else.
This news serves as a reminder of the critical role played by food safety regulations and the necessity for thorough inspections to ensure the integrity of the food supply chain. As investigations into the source of contamination continue, stakeholders across the industry are reminded of the imperative to uphold stringent quality standards to safeguard public health.
