How to Handle a Chicken Recall: A Complete Safety Guide

Check If Your Chicken Is Affected by the Recall

The first step is verifying whether your chicken product is part of the recall. Locate the recall notice through FDA.gov or FSIS.usda.gov—both agencies maintain searchable databases of active recalls. Check your chicken packaging for the lot number, establishment number (EST), and UPC code listed on the back. Compare these identifiers exactly to the recall details provided by the USDA or FDA. If the product matches, do not consume it. Keep the packaging intact as proof in case you need to contact the manufacturer or retailer for a refund or replacement.

Safely Dispose of Recalled Chicken or Request a Refund

If your chicken is recalled, you have two options. For refunds or exchanges, return the product with proof of purchase to your retailer—most chains will provide a full refund without requiring the original receipt. If you cannot return it or prefer not to, dispose of it safely by sealing it in a leak-proof bag and placing it in your trash bin (do not flush), or contact your local waste management facility for guidance. Do not compost recalled chicken, as the bacteria may survive and contaminate your garden soil. Clean any surfaces, utensils, and hands that contacted the raw chicken with hot soapy water to prevent cross-contamination.

What to Do If You Already Ate the Recalled Chicken

If you've consumed recalled chicken, monitor yourself and household members for symptoms of foodborne illness, which typically appear within 24–72 hours (though some pathogens have longer incubation periods). Common signs include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention and inform your doctor about the recalled product—this helps link your illness to the recall. Report your adverse reaction to the FDA through SafeFood.gov or call your local health department; these reports help the CDC track outbreaks. Keep the product packaging if available to show healthcare providers and authorities.

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