
Over 100,000 pounds of “Yats Drunken Chicken” recalled due to undeclared allergens, posing severe health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
Key Insights
- 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.
- Affected products were produced between March 14, 2024, and January 15, 2025, with a one-year shelf life.
- No adverse reactions reported, but consumers with allergies are advised to be cautious.
- The recall highlights the importance of accurate food labeling for consumer safety.
Massive Recall of Yats Drunken Chicken
Custom Food Solutions, a Louisville, Kentucky-based company, has issued a voluntary recall for over 100,000 pounds of its frozen “Yats Drunken Chicken” product. The recall comes after the discovery that the product labels failed to declare the presence of egg and sesame, both recognized as major food allergens. This oversight poses a significant risk to individuals with allergies to these ingredients.
The recall affects 105,164 pounds of the product, which consists of cooked chicken thigh meat in a spicy tomato sauce with beer. The chicken was produced over an extended period, from March 14, 2024, to January 15, 2025, and has a shelf life of one year. The product was distributed in 60-lb cases containing 12, 5-lb pouches, each with specific lot codes.
Scope and Impact of the Recall
The recall primarily affects 11 Yats restaurants located in Indiana. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered the labeling issue during routine reviews, prompting the recall. They noted that there are “No confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of this product.” While no confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been reported, the potential for severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, remains a serious concern.
The FSIS is advising restaurants not to serve the recalled products and to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to check their freezers and take appropriate action if they find the affected items.
Allergen Awareness and Food Safety
This recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling, especially concerning major allergens. In the United States, there are nine major food allergens identified by law: sesame, soybeans, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and crustacean shellfish. Sesame was added as the ninth major allergen following the passage of the FASTER Act in 2021, reflecting growing awareness of its potential to cause severe allergic reactions.
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.”
Food allergies can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild reactions like hives and vomiting to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization advises individuals with sesame allergies to carry epinephrine at all times as a precautionary measure. Similarly, egg allergies are common, particularly in children, though many outgrow them over time.
Broader Implications and Recent Trends
This recall is not an isolated incident. In January alone, the FSIS issued two other food recalls due to undeclared allergens, indicating a persistent challenge in food labeling and safety. Recent high-profile recalls, including those by Quaker Oats and UP Products, further highlight the ongoing issues surrounding allergen disclosure in the food industry.
As consumers become increasingly aware of food allergies and their potential consequences, the pressure on food manufacturers and distributors to maintain rigorous labeling standards continues to grow. This recall serves as a stark reminder of the vital role that accurate food labeling plays in protecting public health and ensuring consumer safety.
Consumers with concerns or questions about the recall can contact Custom Food Solutions directly for more information. The FSIS will conduct recall effectiveness checks to ensure that customers have been properly notified and that appropriate actions are taken to remove the affected products from the food service pipeline.
Sources:
- https://www.newsweek.com/chicken-recall-yats-indiana-custom-food-solutions-allergic-reaction-fear-sesame-warning-egg-2019603
- http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/custom-food-solutions-recalls-ready-eat-frozen-drunken-chicken-product-due
- https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/105000-pounds-of-chicken-products-recalled-due-to-undeclared-ingredients-5797621