Consumers are being urged to check their freezers following a significant expansion of a frozen food recall linked to potential glass contamination. The recall, initially focused on specific fried rice products, now includes nearly 10 million additional pounds of Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice, bringing the total recalled weight across multiple brands to a staggering 37 million pounds. The issue stems from glass shards found in products containing carrots supplied by a common manufacturer, raising concerns for anyone who recently purchased these items.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the expanded recall on March 20, identifying 9,885,240 pounds – roughly 411,885 cases – of Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice as affected, under recall number H-0592-2026. The FDA’s enforcement report details the scope of the issue and provides crucial information for consumers.
The recalled Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice is packaged in 1-pound frozen bags with a UPC code of 00521482 and carries best-by dates ranging from February 28, 2026, through November 19, 2026. Consumers should carefully check packaging dates before consuming the product. The recall was initiated voluntarily by Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc., the manufacturer responsible for producing frozen foods sold under various grocery brands, including Kroger.
Source of the Contamination and Recall Classification
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. Initiated the voluntary recall on March 3 after determining that contaminated carrots were the source of the glass fragments. The FDA has classified this recall as Class II, indicating a remote probability of serious adverse health consequences, but acknowledging that the possibility of injury remains. The glass shards are described as being between 1 to 3 centimeters long and 2 to 4 millimeters wide – small enough to be easily overlooked, but potentially dangerous if ingested.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The initial recall, announced March 4, began with 3.4 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice and quickly expanded to encompass 16 products from brands including Ajinomoto, Kroger, Ling Ling, Tai Pei, and Trader Joe’s. These products include not only fried rice but also ramen and shu mai dumplings, demonstrating the widespread nature of the contamination.
Which Products and States are Affected?
Beyond the newly expanded recall of Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice, several other Trader Joe’s products are already subject to the recall. These include Chicken Fried Rice, Japanese Style Fried Rice, and Chicken Shu Mai. A complete list of recalled products can be found on the FDA website.
The affected Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice was distributed across a wide geographic area, reaching 43 states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
What Should Consumers Do?
The FDA and Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. Are advising consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products to immediately discard them. Do not attempt to consume the products, even if they appear undamaged. Consumers can either throw the products away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
As of now, no injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled products. However, officials emphasize the importance of taking precautions to avoid potential health risks. The FDA continues to investigate the source of the contamination and is working with Ajinomoto to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Ajinomoto’s consumer affairs division at (855) 742-5011 or via email at [email protected]. The company has established a dedicated team to address consumer inquiries and provide assistance.
Looking Ahead
The FDA is expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses. Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. Is continuing to assess its supply chain and implement enhanced quality control measures to ensure the safety of its products. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed by checking the FDA website for the latest recall information and updates. The next scheduled update from the FDA regarding this recall is expected on April 3, as they continue to monitor the situation and assess the effectiveness of the recall efforts.
This expanding recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the vigilance required to protect public health. Please share this information with friends and family who may have purchased the affected products.
