Bite Sized Surprise: Simmons Prepared Foods Recalls Chicken Bites with a Crunchy (But Unwanted) Twist

Van Buren, AR - December 19, 2023 - Turns out that Friday night snack attack might come with an unappetizing bonus, thanks to a recent recall by Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc. Their TGI Fridays brand boneless chicken bites are facing the chop (figuratively, of course) due to a potential contamination with pieces of "clear, hard plastic." Don't worry, it's not a new flavor experiment gone wrong, but it's definitely enough to cause a bit of indigestion.

Approximately 26,550 pounds of these bite-sized treats, produced on October 3rd, 2023, are under the microscope (or, more accurately, the recall notice). Specifically, the 15-ounce cartons of TGI Fridays Boneless Chicken Bites Honey BBQ Chicken with lot code KL3K03 and a best-by date of 12/26/2024 are the ones you'll want to keep an eye (or rather, a suspicious nostril) out for. These bad boys were shipped nationwide, so whether you snagged them at your local grocery store or your favorite discount retailer, it's a good idea to double-check your freezer stash.

Now, before you go throwing out your entire frozen inventory in a plastic-avoidance frenzy, let's take a deep breath. Thankfully, there haven't been any confirmed reports of injuries or illnesses related to the plastic bits. However, who wants to risk a surprise crunch that's not part of the breading, right? Plus, swallowing plastic can lead to some nasty consequences, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

So, what's a hungry snacker to do? If you find yourself staring down a potentially plastic-infused carton of chicken bites, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has some clear instructions:

1. Don't eat them! Seriously, just put them down. Your taste buds and your digestive system will thank you.
2. Check your freezer. See if you're the proud owner of any recalled bites.
3. Throw them away. But do it responsibly! Wrap them up securely and toss them in the trash (not the recycling, plastic bits don't belong there).
4. Contact Simmons Prepared Foods. If you have any questions or concerns, give them a call at 1-800-338-8798.

This whole plastic in the chicken situation might throw a wrench in your frozen food plans, but it's a good reminder to always check for recalls before digging into your next culinary adventure. And hey, maybe it's a sign to skip the pre-made snacks and whip up something homemade - at least then you'll know exactly what's going into your bites!

Remember, staying informed and practicing safe food handling are key to avoiding any unwanted surprises in your meals. So go forth, snack smart, and conquer those hunger pangs - plastic-free!

Source: bard.google.com