A major recall has been initiated for nearly 37 million pounds of rice and ramen products sold at popular retailers such as Trader Joe’s and Kroger. This action follows reports from consumers who discovered glass shards in their food. The recall, which was expanded by Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., affects a range of products, including chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumplings.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has classified this recall as Class I, indicating a significant risk of serious health consequences or even death. The initial recall, announced on February 19, 2026, involved approximately 3.4 million pounds of chicken fried rice products. Following further investigation, the recall was broadened to include an additional 33.6 million pounds of various items, bringing the total to almost 37 million pounds.
Investigation Reveals Source of Contamination
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported that the glass contamination originated from carrots used in multiple products. While the recall notices have identified the issue, they did not provide details on how the contamination occurred. Ajinomoto was required to notify the FSIS about the consumer complaints, prompting an investigation into the source of the problem.
So far, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries linked to the consumption of these products. However, the potential risks associated with ingesting glass are severe, including the possibility of choking, internal injuries, and bleeding. The FSIS has advised consumers who may have these items in their freezers to dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase.
Consumer Safety Measures and Product Details
The affected products were produced between October 2024 and February 2026, with best-by dates ranging from February 28, 2026, to August 19, 2027. Consumers are urged to check packaging for establishment numbers P-18356, P-18356B, or P-47971, which are included within the USDA mark. These products were distributed to thousands of stores across the United States and were also exported to Canada and Mexico.
The FSIS has implemented follow-up measures to ensure that retailers remove the contaminated products from their shelves. Inspectors will conduct checks to confirm that the products are no longer available to consumers. The agency has reiterated the importance of consumer awareness, stating, “FSIS is concerned that some product may be in retailers’ or consumers’ freezers.”
As the investigation continues, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about this recall and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
