Tyson Recalls Chicken Wings: Product May Have ‘An Off Odor’

Tyson has recalled chicken wings, sold under the Anytizers brand, as they may give off an unusual odor. Although there is little risk of illness, the company initiated a voluntarily recall — as the product “does not meet Tyson food quality standards.”

As discussed on the company website, Tyson was alerted to the issue after receiving several customer complaints about “an off odor.” Although some customers experienced “mild illness” after eating the product, the USDA determined there is only “a remote possibility” of illness associated with the recalled product.

#RECALL ALERT – Tyson Foods recalls 52,000+ pounds of chicken wing product: https://t.co/ODaRYiFjGE pic.twitter.com/KPemqwUvCv

— HLN (@HLNTV) November 17, 2015

According to the USDA, the Class II recall includes 28-ounce bags of Tyson Anytizers Fully Cooked Hot Wings, which are stamped with sell by dates of October 24 and October 25, 2016.

Tyson’s recalled chicken wings were delivered to retailers in boxes labeled with the case codes 2975PBF0508-23 and 2985PBF0500-01. The individual packages are marked with establishment number P-13456 — which is located inside the USDA inspection stamp.

Although the USDA determined there is little risk of illness, the product should not be consumed. Customers are urged to throw the unused product away or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Anyone experiencing symptoms, which may be related to the chicken wings, should seek immediate medical attention.

Tyson recalls 52,500 lbs. of smelly chicken wings https://t.co/SnfpuL3RAs pic.twitter.com/knimUB8iuQ

— Fortune (@FortuneMagazine) November 17, 2015

Unfortunately, Tyson’s chicken wings recall is the company’s second this year. In June, the company’s Fresh Meats division issued a voluntary recall of 16,000 pounds of ground beef.

Unlike the current recall, the ground beef was recalled due to E. coli contamination.

Random testing, which was conducted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, confirmed the presence of the dangerous bacteria in the product. However, no illnesses were reported.

The June recall involved 200 cases of meat, which were all sent to the same New York distributor. It is unclear whether the meat was sent to retailers or consumed by anyone, as the company placed a hold on distribution.

One of Tyson’s largest recalls involved chicken tenderloins, which were distributed to food service companies and restaurants. Like the others, the recall was voluntary and there were no reported illnesses. However, the food processing company was concerned, as the products contained soy — which can cause an allergic reaction.

The April 2013 recall involved 12,650 cases, which contained an estimated 127,000 pounds of chicken tenderloins. Although the product was generally safe, it could have caused illness in people who are allergic to soy.

Tyson Foods was founded in 1931 by John W. Tyson. Amid the great depression, John and his wife moved to Arkansas — where they began raising chickens and distributing them throughout the Midwest.

By 1960, John’s son Don joined his father to help build one of the most successful chicken producers in the United States. In addition to chicken products, the company expanded to produce foods made with beef and pork. Over the next 50 years, they also added side dishes, soups, and sauces to their list of products.

Although they have issued several recalls, Tyson is committed to food safety. As stated on the company website, “Each plant is staffed with a team that is trained to verify compliance to Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs.”

Tyson also has numerous field and regional laboratories, where their product is constantly analyzed for optimal quality and safety.

“We’re passionate about making great food safe. Our Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) team is a diverse group of nearly 2,300 people. Among us are experts in every area of food safety and quality assurance.”

It is important to note that a majority of Tyson’s recalls were voluntary and did not result in any reported illness.

Tyson’s recalled chicken wings are not expected to cause anyone to get sick. However, the company is concerned about the odor reported by some customers.

[Image via Shutterstock/Brandon Bourdages]