Massive Recall of 37 Million Pounds of Frozen Foods from Ajinomoto

Potential glass contamination prompts nationwide recall of products sold at Trader Joe's and other retailers

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The California Department of Public Health, in coordination with federal authorities, has announced a massive nationwide recall of nearly 37 million pounds of frozen foods produced by Ajinomoto Foods North America. The recall, which expanded dramatically in early March 2026, stems from potential contamination with small pieces of glass, posing a serious choking or injury hazard.

Why it matters

This recall is one of the largest frozen food recalls in recent memory, affecting millions of households across the country. It highlights the importance of food safety regulations and the potential consequences of even minor production issues. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and discard any affected products to avoid potential harm.

The details

The issue first surfaced in late February 2026, when Ajinomoto initiated a recall of about 3.37 million pounds of frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken fried rice products after multiple consumer complaints reported finding glass fragments. An investigation traced the likely source to a vegetable ingredient—carrots—used in processing, which may have introduced the contamination during production at the company's Portland, Oregon facility. By March 3, 2026, the recall was expanded to cover approximately 36,987,575 pounds in total, encompassing 16 different ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) products, including various chicken and pork fried rice varieties, ramen dishes, and shu mai dumplings, manufactured between October 21, 2024, and February 26, 2026.

  • In late February 2026, Ajinomoto initiated a recall of about 3.37 million pounds of frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken fried rice products.
  • On March 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a major expansion of the recall, now covering approximately 36,987,575 pounds in total.

The players

Ajinomoto Foods North America

A food production company that initiated the recall of frozen foods due to potential glass contamination.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

A state agency that coordinated with federal authorities to highlight the massive nationwide recall.

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

A federal agency that announced the major expansion of the recall.

Trader Joe's

A major retailer that quickly responded by recalling specific frozen items linked to the Ajinomoto production.

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What they’re saying

“We must take this action out of an abundance of caution to protect public health.”

— Ajinomoto Foods North America (Press Release)

What’s next

Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the affected products and either discard them or return them to the store for a full refund.

The takeaway

This recall highlights the importance of strict food safety regulations and the potential for even minor production issues to have widespread consequences. It serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about checking their frozen food supplies, especially for potentially contaminated items that could pose a serious health risk.