The USDA has issued a public health alert for a popular Private Selection chicken breast product sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer stores, after a labeling mix-up left a major allergen off the package. Shoppers in nine states are being urged to check their freezers before consuming the affected chicken.
What the Alert Covers
The USDA issued a public health alert after an undeclared allergen was found in a variety of Private Selection chicken breasts. The alert affects Private Selection's Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat. The chicken breasts were sold in Kroger and Fred Meyer stores across nine states: Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oregon, and Washington.
The Egg Allergen Behind the Alert
A health alert has been issued by the USDA for Private Selection Honey Dijon Chicken Breast because the product contains eggs, one of the nine major allergens, that is not declared on the label as required. The chicken products were misbranded and, as a result, include an undeclared allergen that could be especially serious for those with severe allergies.
How the Mistake Was Discovered
The mislabeling stemmed from a simple but consequential packaging error. According to the health alert, the mix-up was discovered after a store employee noticed that the correct label was applied to the front of the product, but the wrong label was applied to the back — the label that includes the ingredient statement. As a result, the retailer notified the producing establishment, which in turn notified FSIS.
No Confirmed Reactions, But Caution Urged
So far, no harm has been reported in connection with the affected products. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of any adverse reactions associated with the product. However, anyone concerned about a reaction is urged to contact a health care provider. The USDA noted that no known adverse reactions related to the alert have been reported.
Why an Alert Instead of a Recall
The choice to issue an alert rather than a formal recall comes down to whether the product is still available for purchase. A recall was not warranted because customers can no longer buy the affected product, the USDA explained. However, an alert was issued because of FSIS concern that some packages may still be in people's freezers.
What to Do If You Have This Product
Anyone who purchased the affected chicken is advised to take immediate action. Anyone who finds the affected chicken breasts in their freezer is advised not to eat the chicken and to either throw it out or return it to the store where it was purchased. To check if your package is among the affected ones, check the back label of ingredients as well as the lot code. The return process is hassle-free — just bring the package to the customer service counter and state the reason for the return.
For ongoing, official updates on this and other USDA food safety alerts and recalls, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service remains the authoritative source for verified recall and health alert information.
What Happens Next
With the affected product no longer available for purchase in stores, the focus now shifts to making sure consumers check their freezers and properly dispose of or return any remaining packages. Anyone with an egg allergy who has consumed this product and experiences any adverse symptoms should contact a healthcare provider, even though no reactions have been reported to date.