FDA Expands Ajinomoto Recall to 46.9 Million Pounds

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on March 20 an expansion of a nationwide recall by Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc., adding nearly 10 million pounds of frozen Trader Joe's Vegetable Fried Rice to an ongoing action prompted by reports of glass contamination. The products, distributed to stores in 43 states, pose a potential health risk due to small glass fragments, though no illnesses have been confirmed.

The recall began on February 19 with 3.37 million pounds of two items: Trader Joe's Chicken Fried Rice and Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice. It covered products sold in the United States and Canada after consumers reported finding glass shards. Federal regulators, including the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, investigated the complaints and identified carrots as the likely source of the contamination. The glass fragments measure 1 to 3 centimeters in length and 2 to 4 millimeters in width.

By March 3, the recall grew significantly to 36.9 million pounds, incorporating additional frozen entrees such as chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumplings. This phase affected products...