Major Food Recall Expanded to Nearly 37 Million Pounds Over Glass Contamination
Portland, Oregon-based Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc has dramatically expanded a nationwide food recall to include nearly 36,987,575 pounds of chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumpling products. This urgent action follows at least four separate consumer reports of discovering glass fragments within these popular food items.
Highest Risk Classification Issued by USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture has designated this recall with its most serious classification, Class I. This classification indicates a reasonable probability that consumption of these products could lead to serious adverse health consequences or even death. The initial recall, announced on February 19, covered approximately 3.4 million pounds of chicken fried rice products. Following a thorough investigation, the recall has now been expanded to encompass 16 different products under widely recognized brand names including Ajinomoto, Kroger, Ling Ling, Tai Pei, and Trader Joe's.
Nationwide Distribution and Production Timeline
The affected products were distributed to retail stores across the entire United States and were also exported to Canada and Mexico. These items were manufactured between October 2024 and February 2026, with best-by dates ranging from February 28, 2026, through August 19, 2027. Consumers are strongly advised to check their freezers for any products bearing establishment numbers P-18356, P-18356B, or P-47971 within the USDA inspection mark.
Source of Contamination Traced to Carrots
The investigation, initiated after Ajinomoto legally notified the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), successfully traced the source of the glass contamination. The foreign material originated from contaminated carrots, a common ingredient used across multiple product lines in production. Neither the initial nor the expanded recall notices from the FSIS have provided an explanation for how the glass initially entered the carrot supply chain.
Severe Health Risks Posed by Glass Ingestion
The potential health consequences of ingesting glass fragments are severe and potentially life-threatening. Glass is sharp, rigid, and does not dissolve in the digestive system. Fragments can slice through soft tissue as they pass through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Larger or sharper pieces may become lodged, tearing the stomach lining or perforating the intestinal wall, which can lead to peritonitis—a dangerous abdominal infection requiring emergency surgery. In rare instances, glass can lacerate blood vessels, causing significant internal bleeding.
Official Guidance for Consumers
While the FSIS states there have been no confirmed reports of injury related to this recall, the agency remains deeply concerned that contaminated products may still be in consumer freezers. The FSIS is conducting follow-up inspections to verify that distributors and retailers have removed all affected items from sale. The official guidance is unequivocal: Consumers must not consume these products. They should either dispose of them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with health concerns should contact a healthcare provider without delay.
