Something you bought was just recalled. What does that mean?
What happens when something you purchase is recalled? Is it voluntary or mandatory? And what does it mean for you?
Nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen, not ready-to-eat Buffalo chicken products have been recalled in five states because they were “produced without the benefit of inspection,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced on Aug. 26.
Shanghai Ravioli Corporation, based in Boston, initiated the recall for products that were produced on various dates between July 8, 2025 to June 29, 2026. The agency said the problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities. There have been no reports of illness or injury due to consumption of these products.
The recall is being classified as a Class I recall, which, according to the USDA, means a health hazard situation where there is a “reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”
Here’s what else to know about the recall.
Which frozen chicken products are being recalled?
The following products are subject to the recall, according to the FSIS:
- Cardboard boxes containing 100 pieces of “BUFFALO CHICKEN RANGOON” and “Sell By” dates from July 8, 2026, to June 29, 2027, represented on the label.
- Cardboard boxes containing 120 pieces of “BENEDETTO’S BUFFALO CHICKEN MOZZARELLA STICK” and “Sell By” dates from July 8, 2026, to June 29, 2027, represented on the label.
The products bear false marks of inspection with establishment number “EST.18004,” which does not have a federal grant of inspection.
Were the recalled frozen chicken sold in stores?
No. The recalled frozen chicken products were not sold in retail grocery stores but shipped to food service locations.
What states are affected by the frozen chicken recall?
The recalled items were shipped to food service locations in the following states, according to the FSIS.
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Food service locations being asked to discard the recalled frozen chicken
According to the FSIS, food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that put consumer health and safety at risk. Food service locations that have purchased these products are urged not to serve them.
The FSIS says these products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatoday.com.