A significant recall has been issued affecting nearly 37 million pounds of rice and ramen products sold under various brand names, including Trader Joe’s and Kroger. The recall was initiated after at least four customers reported discovering shards of glass in these foods, raising serious health concerns.
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc, based in Portland, Oregon, is responsible for this recall, which now includes 36,987,575 pounds of chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumplings. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classified this recall as Class I, indicating a “reasonable probability” of causing serious health consequences or even death.
The initial recall, announced on February 19, 2026, covered approximately 3.4 million pounds of chicken fried rice. However, following further investigations, the scope was expanded to include an additional 33,617,045 pounds of affected products, which were produced between October 2024 and February 2026. Best-by dates for these products range from February 28, 2026, through August 19, 2027.
Investigators traced the contamination to carrots used in several products. Although the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has stated there have been no confirmed reports of injury linked to these products, the risk of consuming glass can lead to severe internal injuries, including choking and lacerations of the digestive tract.
Consumers are advised to check for establishment numbers P-18356, P-18356B, or P-47971 on the packaging, which indicates the products are part of this recall. The affected items were distributed to stores nationwide and some were exported to Canada and Mexico.
The FSIS has emphasized the importance of consumer safety in this matter, urging anyone who has purchased the affected products not to consume them. Instead, they should dispose of the items or return them to the place of purchase.
With millions of Americans potentially having these products in their freezers, the health implications of consuming contaminated food are severe. Glass fragments can cause significant harm, including tearing the lining of the stomach or perforating the intestinal wall, which could lead to life-threatening conditions such as peritonitis.
As the investigation continues, the FSIS is working to ensure that retailers have adequately removed the contaminated products from their shelves. The agency’s proactive measures aim to prevent any further incidents and to maintain public trust in food safety standards.
