Popular Chicken Dish Recalled Over Surprising Labeling Mishap

Yellow text reads Urgent Safety Recall Act Now on a red background

Over 100,000 pounds of frozen chicken recalled due to undeclared allergens, potentially endangering consumers with food sensitivities.

Quick Takes

  • Custom Food Solutions recalls 105,164 pounds of “Yats Drunken Chicken” due to undeclared egg and sesame allergens.
  • Recall affects products distributed to 11 Yats restaurants in Indiana.
  • Chicken was produced between March 14, 2024, and January 15, 2025, with a one-year shelf life.
  • No adverse reactions reported, but consumers with allergies are advised to be cautious.
  • FSIS discovered the labeling issue during routine reviews, highlighting the importance of proper allergen labeling.

Massive Chicken Recall Announced

Custom Food Solutions, a Louisville, Kentucky-based company, has issued a voluntary recall for approximately 105,164 pounds of its frozen “Yats Drunken Chicken” product. The recall comes after the discovery of undeclared allergens, specifically egg and sesame, which are among the nine major food allergens recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This oversight in labeling could pose serious health risks to individuals with allergies to these ingredients.

The affected products were distributed to 11 Yats restaurants across Indiana. The chicken, described as cooked thigh meat in a spicy tomato sauce with beer, was produced over a significant period, from March 14, 2024, through January 15, 2025. Each product has a shelf life of one year, which means some may still be in circulation or storage.

Health Risks and Consumer Advisory

While no adverse reactions have been reported thus far, the potential for serious allergic reactions remains a concern. Egg and sesame allergies can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Consumers who have purchased these products and have allergies to eggs or sesame are strongly advised not to consume them.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) discovered the labeling issue during routine reviews. This incident underscores the critical importance of accurate product labeling in protecting consumers with food allergies.

Recall Details and Consumer Action

The recalled chicken was distributed in 60-lb cases containing 12, 5-lb pouches, each with specific lot codes. Restaurants in possession of these products have been instructed not to serve them and to either dispose of or return them to the place of purchase.

FSIS said that “Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

Consumers with concerns about potential allergic reactions are advised to contact their healthcare providers. The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that customers have been properly notified and that the recalled products are no longer available for purchase or consumption.

Broader Context of Food Allergen Labeling

This recall is part of a larger trend of increased vigilance regarding food allergens. In January alone, two other food recalls were issued by the FSIS due to undeclared allergens. The inclusion of sesame as the ninth major food allergen in 2021, following the passage of the FASTER Act, highlights the evolving landscape of food allergy awareness and regulation.

According to advocacy group Food Allergy Research & Education, or FARE, “When a person with an allergy to sesame is exposed to sesame, proteins in the sesame bind to specific IgE antibodies made by the person’s immune system. This triggers the person’s immune defenses, leading to reaction symptoms that can be mild or very severe.”

As food allergies continue to be a significant public health concern, proper labeling and stringent quality control measures remain crucial in protecting consumers. This recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in food production and the importance of clear communication about potential allergens in food products.

Sources:

  1. https://www.newsweek.com/chicken-recall-yats-indiana-custom-food-solutions-allergic-reaction-fear-sesame-warning-egg-2019603
  2. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/custom-food-solutions-recalls-ready-eat-frozen-drunken-chicken-product-due
  3. https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/105000-pounds-of-chicken-products-recalled-due-to-undeclared-ingredients-5797621