Trader Joe's has issued a recall for approximately 61,000 pounds of frozen chicken soup dumplings after discovering potential contamination with hard plastic from a permanent marker pen. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's inspection wing made the announcement on Saturday, urging consumers to be vigilant.

The affected products are six-ounce boxes of Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings, which come with plastic trays containing six pieces. Specific batches of the dumplings with the lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 or 03.07.25.C1-2, produced on December 7, 2023, are subject to the recall.

The recall was initiated by Trader Joe's after receiving complaints from customers who found hard plastic in their steamed chicken soup dumplings. The manufacturer behind the recall is CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation in Beaumont, California. These products were distributed nationwide.

Fortunately, no illnesses or injuries have been reported so far, as stated in a recall notice posted on Trader Joe's website on Saturday. The company is encouraging anyone who has purchased the affected boxes of dumplings to either dispose of them or return them to any Trader Joe's store for a refund.

The recall serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers. Trader Joe's is working closely with the USDA's inspection wing and the manufacturer to address the issue promptly.

Consumers are advised to check the lot codes on the side of the box to determine if their product is part of the recall. Images of the recalled boxes can be found on Trader Joe's website. It is crucial to verify the lot code to avoid any potential health risks associated with consuming the contaminated dumplings.

Trader Joe's is committed to providing quality and safe products to its customers. The company deeply regrets any inconvenience caused and assures its customers that they are taking all necessary steps to rectify the situation.

For more information and updates regarding the recall, customers can visit the Trader Joe's website or contact their customer relations department directly.