Trader Joe’s Recalled A Food Item. Should I Eat It?
It was just announced in the news this week that a frozen food item from Trader Joe’s has been recalled. It was the Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings. Why? The reason might shock and disgust you. There was hard plastic found inside them. And not just any hard plastic. Hard plastic found from a permanent marker pen.
According to the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, more than 61,000 pounds of the chicken soup dumplings are being recalled. If you own a box of them, and they were produced on December 7, 2023 then Trader Joe’s says that they will refund your money if you bring it back to any of their stores. You can also just throw it away if you don’t want to make another trip to the store. Another way to identify the box is on the lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 and 03.07.25.C1-2.
According to the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, no one has reported injuries from the hard plastic, and there have been no documented illnesses.
I Have A Box Of These Soup Dumplings
So here’s the deal. I bought a box of these Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings. I have never tried them before and they looked good. When I found out about the recall I immediately went to my freezer and looked at the unopened box. I noticed that my lot codes were different than the ones that were recalled. On my box it said that the lot codes were 03.16.25.C1-1 and 03.16.25.C1-2. Nine days different than the recalled boxes.
Technically speaking the steamed chicken soup dumplings are completely fine to eat. I know that there’s no hard plastic in this box. But I asked my Instagram fans what they thought I should do and the response was very interesting.
Should I Still Eat The Trader Joe’s Recalled Food?
I put a poll up on my Instagram page on my story. I explained the Trader Joe’s recall and asked my followers if I should still eat the dumplings that are in the box (since they weren’t technically recalled), or if I should throw the box away to be on the safe side.
Hundreds of people weighed in on the conversation. Out of the approximately 300 votes that I got on the topic, it was very close. But in the end 55% of people thought I should throw the box away, just to be on the safe side. Some commented saying, “You’re pregnant and don’t want to take a risk,” to “It’s just not worth it.”
As I sit here and think about whether to eat them or not, I’m feeling really hungry. So, I think I’ll just eat them. But of course I’ll report back if I find any plastic in them!
Steer Clear: 8 Grocery Store Behaviors to Avoid
Disrespecting Employees
This should be common sense, but one of the fundamental rules of grocery store etiquette is to treat employees with respect and kindness. While it’s understandable to occasionally have moments of price shock or policy gripes. But don’t take it out on the people working at the grocery store. They’re not the ones setting the prices. Venting your frustration on employees is never the right approach. Refrain from raising your voice or engaging in arguments with cashiers and staff members on the sales floor.
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Packing Out the Express Checkout
We all love the quick in-and-out experience of using self-checkout for those small hauls. But the self-service lane loses its charm when people with massive shopping carts, loaded with groceries decide to set up camp there. It’s even worse when they have items needing special codes. So, think of self-checkout as the express lane, where it’s best to stick to around ten items or less. Using the express checkout lane with more items than the posted limit can hold up the line for others who are following the rules. It’s worth mentioning that many grocery stores are opting for more self-checkout lanes in their stores.
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Aisle Bites
You’ve probably seen people snacking on food they haven’t paid for yet at the grocery store. Some even take half-eaten items to the cashier to scan. This is not only rude but also unhygienic. It’s like treating the store as your personal buffet and it makes others uncomfortable. While satisfying your cravings is perfectly fine, there are better ways to go about it.
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Grocery Blocker
You’re bound to bump into a friend or neighbor while grocery shopping, but consider where you stop for a chat. If you see someone eyeing the produce behind you, it’s a good sign to wrap up and find a quieter spot. Keep in mind that grocery store catch-ups should be relatively short. It’s not the ideal time for lengthy reunions, especially if others are waiting to shop. The same courtesy applies to your shopping cart. Don’t park your cart smack in the middle and block the way for everyone else.
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Stashing Unwanted Groceries and Trash
If you change your mind about something while shopping, do everyone a favor and return it to where it belongs. Dumping unwanted items in random aisles instead of returning them to their proper creates frustration for both store employees and fellow shoppers. Nobody wants to discover a rogue carton of buttermilk sitting next to the potato chips. It makes the store messy, confuses people, and turns a simple grocery trip into a weird scavenger hunt. In some grocery stores, you might find cafes where you can stroll the aisles with a coffee or beverage in hand. Chances are you’ve come across half-empty Starbucks cups or abandoned water bottles among the store shelves. When you’ve finished your drink, it’s best to dispose of the cup or bottle properly.
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Leaving Your Grocery Cart Wherever
Bringing back your shopping cart is the most basic form of grocery store courtesy. Returning your shopping cart is a quick task and it’s a huge help for the store staff. Additionally, left-behind carts can lead to more significant problems. A deserted cart in the parking area may potentially cause damage to vehicles. A cart left behind inside can cause a roadblock in the store.
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Lack of Personal Space
When we’re shopping at the grocery store, give people their personal space. Whether browsing the aisles for your favorite snacks or waiting in line at the checkout, respecting personal space is key. No one likes feeling crowded or rushed while making their selections, and we all appreciate a bit of privacy when completing our transactions.
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Rude Cellphone Usage
When you’re at the store, try not to use your phone too much. It’s okay to make a quick call to roomie to ask about ketchup, but keep it quiet and brief. Save the catching up for later. Also, don’t text and push your cart at the same time because you might bump into something or someone. Lastly, unless you’re using your phone for digital coupons or rewards, it’s best to put it away during checkout.
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