A major food recall could disrupt grocery runs for New York City shoppers this week, pulling millions of pounds of frozen foods from shelves nationwide—including those at a popular NYC retailer.
What began as a localized concern has escalated into a large-scale safety alert. Ajinomoto Foods North America has expanded its initial recall to a staggering 36.9 million pounds of frozen products due to potential glass contamination.
Federal investigators have traced the issue back to a single ingredient: carrots provided by a third-party supplier.
The “Big Four” Trader Joe’s Recalls
If you’ve stocked up recently at the Union Square, Chelsea, or Upper West Side locations, check your freezer for these specific items. The recall now includes:
- Vegetable Fried Rice— Affected best-by dates: Feb. 28, 2026 → Nov. 19, 2026
- Chicken Fried Rice— Affected best-by dates: March 4, 2026 → Feb. 10, 2027
- Japanese Style Fried Rice— Affected best-by dates: Feb. 28, 2026 → Nov. 14, 2026
- Chicken Shu Mai— Affected best-by dates: March 13, 2026 → Oct. 23, 2026
Expanded Recall: Other Major Brands
The glass contamination isn’t limited to the Trader Joe’s label. Because Ajinomoto produces items for several major retailers, the following brands and products are also affected:
Kroger & Store Brands
- Kroger Chinese Inspirations: Chicken Fried Rice (Item 81152)
Ling Ling
- Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice (Item 81096)
- Tokyo-Style Ramen: Shoyu Chicken (Item 9101002) and Tonkotsu Chicken (Item 9103001)
Tai Pei
- Ultimate Fried Rice (Item 81070)
- Chicken Fried Rice (Item 81071)
Ajinomoto (International & Club Stores)
- Japanese-Style Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice (Various sizes, including those sold at Costco)
- Kurobuta Pork Fried Rice
- Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen with Chicken
Consumer Safety Checklist
The glass fragments reported are approximately 1–3 cm long and 2–4 mm wide—easily large enough to cause serious injury.
- Check the Mark: Look for establishment numbers P-18356, P-18356B, or P-47971 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- Do Not Risk It: Even if the bag looks fine, the USDA urges you not to consume these products.
- Action Required: Throw the product away immediately or return it to your local store for a full refund. No receipt is typically required for recalled items at Trader Joe’s.
Lot numbers are often printed in small black ink near the “Best By” date. If you’re unsure whether your specific bag is part of the 37-million-pound haul, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution and return it.
