Chicken Alert: Urgent Recall of Contaminated Poultry Hits Stores—Check Your Fridge Now

A sudden “chicken alert” has shoppers across the country checking their freezers after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public-health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless Chicken Breasts sold at Kroger-owned stores in nine states. According to FSIS, the raw, vacuum-sealed 24-ounce packages (UPC 11110-51390, “USE/FRZ by” date 11/13/26, lot code S0642) were pulled because they contain egg—one of the eight major food allergens—yet the ingredient is missing from the label. While no illnesses have been reported, the agency warns that anyone with an egg allergy could suffer a serious or life-threatening reaction if the chicken is eaten. Where the recalled chicken was shipped • Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and California’s Northern Nevada market (Fred Meyer, QFC, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s and affiliated banner stores). What to do if you bought it 1. Check your freezer for the specific product details above. 2. Do NOT taste-test; the allergen is invisible and unaffected by cooking. 3. Either throw the chicken away or return it to the store for a full refund, per FSIS guidance. 4. Consumers with questions can call Kroger’s 800-576-4377 or the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 (10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, Mon–Fri). Why this matters now Egg allergy is the second-most common food allergy in U.S. children and affects many adults; reactions range from hives to anaphylaxis. Because the mislabeled chicken was marketed as a convenient, preseasoned entrée, allergen-sensitive shoppers may already have it on hand. The alert also lands in peak grilling season, when chicken breast sales spike. How to stay safe going forward • Always scan labels—even on familiar brands—for bolded allergen statements. • Sign up for Kroger recall texts or the USDA’s Recall Alerts list to get real-time warnings. • Keep a household “allergen shelf” so potentially risky items are stored separately. Industry response Kroger says it is “working closely with the manufacturer to remove the affected lot from all distribution channels” and is enhancing barcode checks to prevent future labeling errors. Food safety experts note that mislabeling, not contamination, is the leading cause of poultry recalls, making accurate packaging the last line of defense for allergy sufferers. Bottom line If Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless Chicken Breasts are in your freezer, treat this chicken alert seriously: verify the lot code and dispose of or return any affected packages immediately.