Glass Shards Found — Dangerous Recall!

Blurred store aisle with RECALL stamp overlay. — SHOCKING RECALL ALERT

Millions of pounds of popular Trader Joe’s frozen chicken fried rice sit in American freezers, potentially laced with dangerous glass shards that could cause severe injury or worse.

Story Snapshot

Ajinomoto Foods recalls 3.37 million pounds of chicken fried rice due to glass contamination after four consumer complaints.
Class I recall signals high risk of serious health consequences, including lacerations or intestinal damage if ingested.
Affects Trader Joe’s 20-oz packages sold nationwide and products exported to Canada, produced September-November 2025.
No confirmed injuries yet, but families urged to check freezers immediately for best-by dates into late 2026.

Recall Details and Scope

Ajinomoto Foods North America, based in Portland, Oregon, initiated the recall of approximately 3.37 million pounds of frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken fried rice products. The issue arose from possible glass contamination reported by four U.S. consumers. Products include 20-oz Trader Joe’s branded packages distributed to stores nationwide and Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice sent to Canada.

All bear USDA establishment number P-18356. Production occurred between September 8, 2025, and November 17, 2025. Best-by dates extend to September 8, 2026, through November 17, 2026, for Trader Joe’s items, packaged as 9/8/2026 to 11/17/2026.

Regulatory Response and Classification

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) classified this as a Class I recall, the highest severity level, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death. FSIS issued the public notice on February 19, 2026, urging consumers to dispose of or return suspect products.

Ajinomoto notified FSIS after receiving complaints, prompting swift action. No illnesses or injuries have been confirmed, but the agency advises medical consultation if glass was ingested. This underscores the vital role of federal oversight in protecting everyday Americans from manufacturing failures.

Trader Joe’s, as the primary retailer, distributed these staples nationwide. The frozen meals, containing rice, vegetables, seasoned chicken, and eggs, appeal to busy families seeking quick, affordable dinners. Amid broader frozen food safety concerns, this incident highlights vulnerabilities in supply chains that hardworking Americans rely on daily.

Chicken fried rice sold at Trader Joe's and other retailers recalled because it could contain glass https://t.co/oQ6tZIarip

— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 21, 2026

Consumer Actions and Health Risks

Consumers should immediately check home freezers for affected products using production codes and best-by dates. FSIS recommends throwing away or returning items to stores for refunds. Contact Ajinomoto at 855-742-5011 or [email protected] for questions.

Potential risks include mouth or throat lacerations, dental damage, or intestinal perforation from ingesting glass fragments. Families with children or elderly members face heightened dangers from these convenience foods often stocked for emergencies.

Economic and Industry Fallout

The recall strains supply chains with disposal costs for 3.37 million pounds, potentially disrupting Trader Joe’s inventory and raising prices for safe alternatives. Long-term effects may include stricter supplier audits, lawsuits, and eroded consumer trust in frozen entrees.

This Class I designation amplifies scrutiny on facilities like Ajinomoto’s USDA-inspected plant. Recent precedents, such as listeria in salmon and salmonella in superfoods, signal persistent risks in the sector. Common-sense vigilance from regulators protects American pocketbooks and dinner tables from corporate oversights.

Media outlets like Fox Business, CBS News, and Good Housekeeping amplified the FSIS alert on February 20, 2026, providing product images to aid identification. Uniform reporting confirms core facts, with minor variances in recall volume rounding. Uncertainties persist on the exact glass source, but the response prioritizes public safety.