USDA issues alert after complaints about rocks in Trader Joe’s frozen pilaf

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert this week after concerns were raised about the contents of a Trader Joe’s frozen chicken pilaf product.

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Wednesday it received multiple complaints that the frozen ready-to-eat chicken, lentil and caramelized onion product from Trader Joe’s contained foreign material — “specifically rocks.” One person said they had a dental injury from eating the product, though no other injuries were reported, the agency added.

The product was produced between Nov. 1, 2023, and Jan. 19, and has been widely distributed at the grocery chain’s stores across the U.S. However, the product is no longer being sold at Trader Joe’s, according to the inspection service.

Those with the product still in their freezer are urged to throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased.

The inspection service posted a photo of the 14-oz. product, which has a label that reads, “Trader Joe’s Chicken, Lentil, & Caramelized Onion Pilaf WITH SAFFRON BASMATI RICE, DARK CHICKEN MEAT, DATES & GOLDEN RAISINS.”

It is labeled with the number “P-45322” inside of the USDA mark of inspection, the service added.

Those with questions about the alert were advised to call the producing establishment, Mama Vicky’s, at 818-583-0003 for more information.