Allergen Labeling Oversight Triggers Recall Of Popular Chicken Dish

Packaged chicken breasts on a factory conveyor belt.

Over 100,000 pounds of frozen chicken recalled due to undeclared allergens, putting consumers at risk.

Key Takeaways

Custom Food Solutions recalls 105,164 pounds of Yats Drunken Chicken due to undeclared egg and sesame allergens.
The recall affects products distributed to 11 Yats restaurants in Indiana.
The FSIS discovered the labeling issue during routine reviews.
No adverse reactions have been reported, but consumers are advised to be cautious.
Restaurants are urged not to serve these products and to dispose of or return them.

Massive Chicken Recall Hits Indiana Restaurants

Custom Food Solutions, a Louisville, Kentucky-based company, has issued a voluntary recall for over 100,000 pounds of its frozen drunken chicken product. The recall affects 105,164 pounds of Yats Drunken Chicken, which includes cooked chicken thigh meat in spicy tomato sauce with beer. This product was distributed to 11 Yats restaurants across Indiana, potentially putting consumers with specific food allergies at risk.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) uncovered the labeling issue during routine reviews. The chicken products, produced between March 14, 2024, and January 15, 2025, with a shelf-life of one year, were found to contain undeclared eggs and sesame, both of which are recognized as major food allergens.

Allergen Concerns and Consumer Safety

The recall highlights the critical importance of accurate food labeling, especially concerning allergens. Sesame, which was added as the ninth major food allergen following the FASTER Act in 2021, joins the list that includes soybeans, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and crustacean shellfish. These allergens can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), “When a person with an allergy to sesame is exposed to sesame, proteins in the sesame bind to specific IgE antibodies made by the person’s immune system. This triggers the person’s immune defenses, leading to reaction symptoms that can be mild or very severe.”

While no adverse reactions have been reported due to the consumption of this product, the FSIS is taking the precautionary step of issuing this recall. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to contact their healthcare providers if they have any concerns about potential allergic reactions.

Recall Details and Actions

The recalled product was distributed in 60-lb cases containing twelve 5-lb pouches with specific lot codes. The FSIS has stated, “Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.” This directive underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential health risks involved.

Food Safety and Inspection Service, or FSIS, noted that, “The product may contain egg and sesame, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. The RTE frozen drunken chicken items were produced on various dates between March 14, 2024, through Jan. 15, 2025, and have a shelf-life of one year.”

The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that customers have been notified and that the recalled products are no longer available for consumption. Consumers can contact Custom Food Solutions directly for more information about the recall and any concerns they may have.

Broader Context of Food Recalls

This recall is part of a series of recent food safety incidents involving undeclared allergens. In January alone, two other food recalls were issued by the FSIS due to similar issues. These incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in food safety and the critical importance of accurate labeling in protecting consumer health.

As food allergies become increasingly prevalent, with sesame being the ninth most common food allergy in the U.S., it’s crucial for both food manufacturers and consumers to remain vigilant. The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization advises individuals with sesame allergies to carry epinephrine as a precautionary measure.

This recall emphasizes the need for continued improvements in food labeling practices and heightened awareness of food allergens across the food industry. It also serves as a reminder for consumers with food allergies to always check product labels carefully and stay informed about potential risks in the food supply chain.