Chicken Nugget Recall 2014: Applegate Nuggets Recalled For Plastic Contamination [PHOTO]

A potential contamination with plastic particles has resulted in the recall of over 15,000 pounds of Applegate’s fully cooked and frozen chicken nuggets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday.

Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets in 8-ounce boxes with the “best before” date of Feb. 5, 2015, bearing the establishment number “P2617,” are reportedly at risk of potentially containing “extraneous materials,” FSIS reports. Approximately 15,306 pounds of the potentially defective product, produced in Perdue’s Gainsville, Georgia, establishment, were shipped and sold via retail outlets nationwide.

“The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints that small pieces of plastic were found in the products,” FSIS confirmed in a press release.

“The raw chicken for our nuggets is stored in plastic containers prior to being put through a grinder. A piece of plastic from one of the containers became dislodged and commingled with the raw chicken,” Applegate said of the contamination's cause. “This was an isolated issue and did not impact any other products.”

Despite classifying the voluntary recall as a class II, a potential health hazard, no injuries have been reported in connection to the recalled items. Consumers concerned about a potential injury or illness are being advised to contact a health care provider.

Customers affected by the recall can return any defective items to their original place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Applegate online at help@applegate.com, or by calling (866) 587-5858.