Chicken Samosas Recalled due to Lack of Federal Inspection

Houston, Texas-based Hafiz Foods, Inc. is recalling chicken samosas because the products contain chicken that was not inspected. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirms that the ground chicken used in the samosas was not federally inspected before the products were distributed. Read on to learn more about the recall and potential food safety risks for consumers.

No Federal Inspection Leads to Chicken Samosa Recall

According to the FSIS News Release, Hafiz Foods is recalling 675 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken samosas. During a routine inspection, the FSIS determined that the ground chicken used inside the samosas had not undergone a federal inspection. The recall includes the following products:

12-oz. box packages labeled “RAZA FOODS Chicken Samosa” with date codes 05/21, 06/21, or 0518021 through 0629021, or 5182021 through 6292021 (inclusive).
12-oz. box packages labeled “TAZA CHICKEN SAMOSAS” with date codes 05/21, 06/21, or 0518021 through 0629021, or 5182021 through 6292021 (inclusive).
100-oz clear plastic bags containing approximately 100 chicken samosas that do not bear any labeling or codes.

All of the products were produced between May, 2020 and June 29, 2020. The FSIS says that the products were shipped to deli and retail locations in Texas, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The samosas in the plastic bags were also donated to community organizations in and around Houston, Texas, in May and June.

What Consumers Should Know about Lack of Federal Inspection

A lack of federal inspection can be dangerous to consumers. The USDA inspects meat and poultry products to make sure that they are safe and free from contaminants. While there are no reports of injuries related to the chicken samosas, the FSIS is concerned because consumers may have these products already in their homes.

Consumers who do have the Hafiz Foods samosas in their homes should discard the products immediately. They should not consume them. Consumers may be able to obtain a refund by returning the products to their place of purchase.

If you have questions about this recall or foods that may lack a federal inspection, you can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline. You can also live chat or browse food safety topics at the Ask USDA website.

Getting Help with Food Safety Concerns

Early on the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both announced that they would not be conducting as many inspections as usual. Staffing shortages and closures made it difficult for federal regulators to keep up with routine inspections. Naturally, many Americans continue to be concerned about how reducing inspections could impact food safety.

Unfortunately, a lack of federal inspections could put consumers at risk. Federal inspections help protect consumers from foodborne illnesses, pathogens, bacteria, allergens and contaminants. The USDA is one of the most important agencies for ensuring that our food is safe. Hopefully, the USDA, FSIS and FDA will be able to conduct routine inspections more regularly as states continue to reopen.

Bad Food Recall is Here for You

In May, Bad Food Recall told you about the USDA coming under pressure over food safety concerns. After months with very few recalls to speak of, food recalls are starting to trend upward again. Consumers are naturally concerned about the safety of food products understanding that there are less inspections, and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the food supply.

Stay up-to-date on the latest bad food news and recalls by following Bad Food Recall on Facebook. We will also continue to offer information about food safety and recalls on our website.

If you have questions or concerns about your legal rights as a consumer, contact us by calling 1-877-534-5750. You can also fill out our online form for more information.

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