The massive Ajinomoto Foods North America frozen food recall has been updated again, significantly broadening which consumers need to check their freezers. The recall now covers 36,987,575 pounds of frozen fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumpling products sold under multiple brand names, including Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Ling Ling, Tai Pei, and Ajinomoto. The latest amendment is critical: the USDA has clarified that all products with the listed lot numbers are now included regardless of best-by date — meaning shoppers who previously checked dates and believed they were safe may still have recalled product at home.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recall covers 16 products produced between October 21, 2024, and February 26, 2026. The Trader Joe’s portion alone affects over 9 million pounds of product distributed across 43 states. Affected Trader Joe’s products include Chicken Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, Japanese Style Fried Rice, and Chicken Shu Mai. All recalled products bear establishment number P-18356, P-18356B, or P-47971 inside the USDA mark of inspection. Products were shipped to retail locations nationwide, including Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Costco stores. A full lot number list is available at fsis.usda.gov.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
Ajinomoto Foods received multiple consumer complaints reporting glass fragments inside the products. An investigation determined that contaminated carrots — used as a vegetable ingredient across multiple product lines — were the likely source of the glass. Glass contamination poses serious risks including tooth injury, mouth lacerations, choking, and internal gastrointestinal injury. No confirmed injuries have been reported. The most important update in this latest amendment: checking best-by dates alone is no longer sufficient. Consumers must cross-reference specific lot numbers against the USDA’s published list, regardless of expiration date. This recall has now gone through three expansions since first being announced February 19, 2026.
What Should You Do?
Check your freezer for any fried rice, ramen, or shu mai products from Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Ling Ling, Tai Pei, or Ajinomoto. Do not rely on best-by dates — verify the lot number and establishment number against the official list at fsis.usda.gov. If your product matches, do not consume it. Return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Trader Joe’s customers can return products to any store location. Contact Ajinomoto Foods Consumer Affairs at 855-742-5011 or email [email protected] with questions.
