Attention Trader Joe’s fans: It’s time to re-check your freezer due to a critical recall update.
On February 19, Trader Joe’s announced a recall for several lots of Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.'s frozen chicken fried rice products, which it sells in its stores. At the time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued it as a Class I recall. But now, Trader Joe’s is updating that recall to add more products. Here’s what you need to know.
What, exactly, is being added to the recall?
As the original FSIS notice explained, Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. recalled approximately 3,370,530 pounds of frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken fried rice products. The recalled items were produced between September 8, 2025, and November 17, 2025. The original recall included the following:
Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice
- 1.53-kg cardboard packages, which contain six bags
- Best before dates: September 9, 2026, through November 12, 2026 (written on the packaging as "26 SE 09 through 26 NO 12").
Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice with stir fried rice, vegetables, seasoned dark chicken meat and eggs
- 20-oz plastic bag packages
- Best before dates: September 8, 2026, through November 17, 2026 (written on the packaging as "9/8/2026 through 11/17/2026")
The products also bear the establishment number P-18356 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
However, on Tuesday, Trader Joe’s sent a notice to its customers explaining that it’s adding several more frozen food products to this recall, including the following:
- Chicken Fried Rice: With best by dates between March 4, 2026, and February 10, 2027
- Vegetable Fried Rice: With best by dates between February 28, 2026, and November 19, 2026
- Japanese Style Fried Rice: With best by dates between February 28, 2026, and November 14, 2026 02/28/2026
- Chicken Shu Mai: With best by dates between March 13, 2026, and October 23, 2026
Here is what each package looks like.
Why are all of these products being recalled?
FSIS says the products may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass, and that includes the additional products Trader Joe’s just shared. The agency notes the problem was discovered after the company reported receiving four consumer complaints about glass found in the product. There have been no confirmed reports of injury in connection with the recalled products at this time.
Where were the recalled frozen meals shipped?
The Trader Joe’s items were shipped to Trader Joe’s retail locations nationwide. American consumers have a little less to worry about with the Ajinomoto item, as it was exported only to Canada. However, if you know anyone there, then maybe give them a call to alert them, too.
What does a "Class I" recall mean?
FSIS and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider a Class I recall to be the most serious category. It's defined as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
What should I do if I have any of these products?
FSIS is concerned that some of the affected products may be in retailers’ or consumers’ freezers. If you bought any of the recalled items, do not consume them. Instead, throw it away or return it to the store where you purchased it. Questions? You can contact Ajinomoto Foods directly at (855) 742-5011 or email at [email protected]. And, anyone with questions for Trader Joe’s may contact its customer relations at (626) 599-3817 (Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time).
