FSIS issues public health alert for Wegmans Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Here’s what you should know:

• Date: January 27, 2025
• Announced by: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
• Company: Wegmans Food Markets
• Brand: Wegmans
• Product: Wegmans FAMILY PACK FULLY COOKED Breaded Chicken Breast with Rib Meat
• Issue: May be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically bone fragments.

Keep reading to find out more!

What happened?

On January 27, the FSIS issued a public health alert for Wegmans FAMILY PACK FULLY COOKED Breaded Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, that may be contaminated with bone fragments. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. The product was produced on August 26, 2024, and distributed to retail locations in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. FSIS was notified of the issue after Wegmans received multiple consumer complaints. 

What caused the issue?

The recent recall of Wegmans Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets stems from a contamination risk involving bone fragments in the product. Bone fragments, while not expected in a fully cooked nugget, present potential hazards for consumers. These bone pieces may not be fully processed or removed during production, leading to the risk of unintended injury or harm. Bone fragments in food products are not uncommon, but they can be especially dangerous when they are not immediately detectable and could go unnoticed until consumed.

Health Risks:

1. Choking – Bone fragments, especially small pieces, can pose a serious choking hazard. This is particularly dangerous for young children, who may not be able to handle a food-related choking incident effectively.
2. Injury to Mouth and Throat – If the bone fragments are sharp or large enough, they could cause cuts or abrasions to the mouth, gums, or throat. These injuries can be painful, require medical attention, and in some cases, may result in infections.
3. Digestive Issues – Larger bone pieces that pass into the digestive tract could cause harm to the stomach or intestines. A bone fragment may lead to bleeding or blockages, potentially requiring medical intervention.
4. Infection – Though less common, bone fragments could carry bacteria if improperly handled, causing infections if they cause open wounds in the mouth or digestive tract.

Groups More at Risk:

While anyone can be affected by bone fragments in their food, certain groups are particularly vulnerable:

1. Children – Children are particularly at risk of choking because of their smaller airways, and they may also have less-developed chewing capabilities. Their smaller size means they may be less able to manage a food-related injury safely.
2. Elderly Adults – The elderly often have weaker or more fragile teeth, gums, and digestive systems, making it easier for bone fragments to cause cuts, damage, or even internal injuries.
3. People with Compromised Immune Systems – Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV/AIDS, or those with certain chronic illnesses, are more susceptible to infections that may result from a foodborne injury or contaminated food.
4. Pregnant Women – Pregnant women may be more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses or infections due to hormonal changes that affect the immune system. While the risk of infection from bone fragments themselves may be low, any injury caused by sharp objects can lead to complications.
5. Those with Digestive Disorders – People with conditions like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or those who have undergone surgery to the digestive system are at higher risk for complications related to foreign objects entering their digestive tract.

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Questions you might have

1. What should I do if I have Wegmans Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets in my freezer?
   • If you have this product in your freezer, do not eat it. You should either return it to the store for a refund or dispose of it immediately.
2. How do I know if I have the affected product?
   • Look for the 46-oz. plastic packages labeled “Wegmans FAMILY PACK Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast with Rib Meat.” The product will have a best by date of August 26, 2025, and establishment number P-33944 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
3. Where was this product sold?
   • The affected chicken nuggets were distributed to retail locations in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
4. Why isn’t a recall being issued?
   • The product is no longer available for purchase, so a formal recall wasn’t requested. However, the public health alert is meant to inform consumers of the potential danger and prevent further consumption of the product.
5. What should I do if I’ve already eaten the product and feel sick?
   • If you feel any discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms after consuming the affected product, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately, especially if you experience difficulty swallowing, pain, or abdominal discomfort.
6. Are there any reports of injuries so far?
   • As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries related to this contamination, but the company is alerting consumers as a precaution.
7. What kind of contamination was found in the chicken nuggets?
   • The chicken nuggets are contaminated with bone fragments, which were found during consumer complaints.
8. Is this issue common with frozen chicken nuggets?
   • While it’s not a frequent occurrence, bone fragments in breaded or processed meat products can happen due to incomplete processing or mechanical failure during production.
9. How can I get a refund or replacement?
   • If you purchased the affected product, you can return it to the place of purchase for a refund or contact Wegmans at 1-855-934-3663 for more information.
10. Can this type of contamination cause foodborne illness?

• While the primary risk is physical injury from the bone fragments, any sharp object could cause damage to the digestive tract, potentially leading to infections if not treated properly.

Behind the brand

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a privately held American supermarket chain. Headquartered in Gates, New York with 111 stores in eight states (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware) and the District of Columbia. 

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Wegmans has been in the recall spotlight. On November 8, 2024, the FDA announced that Wegmans Food Markets had voluntarily recalled its Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken & Asian Dressing due to potential allergen risks.

Ensuring safe eats

Recalls like this one are a reminder that food safety is more important than ever. It’s not just about protecting your brand—it’s about protecting your customers. When an issue like bone fragments arises, it can be devastating for consumers and brands alike. But quick action, transparency, and consumer education can prevent serious health issues.

“Food safety is non-negotiable, and incidents like this remind us of how crucial it is to maintain rigorous processing standards at every step of the supply chain. Even a small lapse can lead to serious health risks. As an industry, we must remain vigilant and transparent, ensuring that consumers can trust the quality and safety of every product they bring into their homes.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.

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