USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Kroger Chicken Over Undeclared Allergen

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a nationwide public health alert Saturday for a specific batch of raw chicken breasts sold under Kroger’s premium Private Selection brand. Federal inspectors discovered the product contains egg, a known allergen omitted from the packaging label. Food safety officials bypassed a formal recall because the affected items are no longer available for purchase in stores, though they urge consumers to check their home refrigerators and freezers immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Undeclared Allergen: The federal alert flags Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts for containing unlisted egg.

• Multi-State Footprint: The affected items reached Kroger and Fred Meyer retail locations across nine U.S. states, primarily in the Midwest, South, and Pacific Northwest.

• No Store Recall: Regulators did not request a retail-level recall as the inventory has already aged off supermarket shelves ahead of its June 28 expiration date.

Mislabeling Triggered Federal Food Safety Intervention

Texas-based manufacturer FW Farms LLC produced the 21-ounce vacuum-packed packages of “Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat” on June 2, 2026. The affected items bear establishment number “P-45288B”, lot code “15326A”, and a “Best If Used By” date of June 28, 2026.

The labeling breakdown occurred on the production floor but went unnoticed until a retail store employee spotted the discrepancy. The worker noted that while the front of the packaging displayed the correct product name, the back featured an incorrect ingredient statement that completely omitted the presence of egg. The retailer immediately notified FW Farms LLC, which then self-reported the operational error to the FSIS.

To date, federal health agencies have documented no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or medical emergencies tied to the consumption of this chicken batch.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities in Premium Private Labels

The distribution network for the mislabeled poultry covers a broad geographic footprint, reaching stores in Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington. This regional spread highlights the vast logistical reach of modern supermarket house brands, which rely heavily on third-party co-packers like FW Farms LLC to maintain inventory.

Industry analysts note that private labels have captured record market share over the last three years as consumers seek relief from grocery inflation. That growth, however, strains supplier verification procedures. A single labeling error can compromise an entire regional shipment, exposing grocery giants to swift regulatory scrutiny and severe liability if a vulnerable consumer ingests the allergen.

Future Outlook and Consumer Guidance

Because the product’s shelf life ends on June 28, federal inspectors are focusing entirely on consumer awareness rather than pulling inventory from stores. The FSIS warns that while supermarket shelves are now clear, thousands of households may still have the vacuum-sealed chicken in long-term freezer storage.

Official Consumer Directive: Regulators instruct consumers who own the product to throw it away immediately or return it to their local Kroger or Fred Meyer location for a full refund.

Moving forward, FW Farms LLC faces heightened regulatory oversight and internal safety audits to ensure packaging line compliance. The FSIS confirmed it will monitor the manufacturing facility to prevent future labeling failures.