Trader Joe's is recalling a popular item five months after making national news for a series of food recalls.
On Feb. 2, Trader Joe's recalled its Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf. The reason? The merchant warned the frozen meal may contain "foreign material."
Two weeks after its launch at Trader Joe's in early January 2024, the Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf was recalled. The product is inspired by Persian lentil rice dish adas polo.
Trader Joe's heat-and-serve version has basmati rice, green lentils, diced caramelized onions, dark meat chicken, golden raisins, and dates. It has salt, pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and saffron flavors.
"The end result is an unforgettably delicious and astonishingly easy meal that you can take from freezer to table in mere minutes," Trader Joe's said.
The product has only been at Trader Joe's for a short time, but fans are already excited. However, the new recall means people who haven't tried it yet must wait.
Trader Joe's didn't specify the frozen dish's foreign ingredients. Based on the retailer's food recall history, the word might apply to many unwanted items.
Trader Joe's Multigrain Crackers with Sunflower and Flax Seeds were recalled in August 2023 for metal contamination. In its recall notice, Trader Joe's called the metal "foreign material".
Between July and August 2023, Trader Joe's recalled falafel, Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup, and two cookies for contamination with rocks, insects, and rocks.
A customer reported finding a rock in a Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf bag on Reddit in late January 2024. Without Trader Joe's confirmation, the recall may not be related to that discovery.
Trader Joe's advised buyers of the frozen item to destroy it or return it for a full refund. Contact Trader Joe's at (626) 599-3817 or on its website with any questions.