Duluth company recalls chicken nuggets

A Duluth company is recalling 35,800 pounds of chicken nuggets and patties and warning consumers that the products may contain pieces of plastic.

Suzanna’s Kitchen and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the meat, which was shipped nationally to food service distributors and retail outlets, was sold in 12-ounce cartons and 10-pound bulk cases, according to USDA spokesperson Atiya Khan.

The 12-ounce cartons of Freebird Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets have a case code of “6220,” a Julian code of “2075” and a use-by date of March 15, 2014. A Julian code is another method of marking and dating items produced by manufacturers.

The 12-ounce cartons of “Freebird Fully Cooked Gluten Free/Soy Free Chicken Patties” have a case code of “6244,” Julian code of “1249” and use-by date of Sept. 6, 2013.

The 10-pound cases of “Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets” have a case code of “6221,” a Julian code of “2075” and a use-by date of March 15, 2014. The cases were shipped to a food service distributor in California for further distribution.

The packaging also carries a USDA mark of inspection.

The USDA said the problem was discovered after consumers complained about finding pieces of plastic in the products. The plastic might be from bags used to package the meat before production.

No injuries have been reported, the USDA said.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the Freebird Consumer Hotline at 800-724-0206.