No, there is not a hidden chicken recall, as some viral posts claim

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A viral message circulating on social media is causing concern among consumers, warning them to avoid purchasing chicken due to an alleged large-scale recall that is supposedly being kept from the public.

The message reads:

Breaking down the claims

The viral post makes two major assertions: that federal health agencies have been silenced, and that there is an undisclosed recall on chicken and eggs. Here’s what we found.

Claim 1: Communications from the CDC and FDA are being blocked

This claim appears to stem from a real government memo but is being misinterpreted.

In January, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a directive requiring all health agencies— including the FDA and CDC — to pause public communications such as social media updates, website announcements, and press releases until reviewed by a presidential appointee. However, this directive was only in effect until Feb. 1, not Feb. 15 as the viral post suggests.

Both the CDC and FDA have fully functional websites and active social media accounts. The CDC, in particular, maintains an up-to-date page on avian influenza (bird flu) cases in the United States, proving that information on public health matters continues to be available.

Claim 2: A large-scale recall on chicken and eggs is being covered up

This is false.

While the FDA plays a role in regulating food safety, neither it nor the CDC oversees the recall of meat, poultry, or processed egg products. That responsibility falls under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which was not affected by the aforementioned memo from DHHS.

A review of the USDA’s official recall database shows no evidence of any widespread recalls involving chicken or eggs at this time. If such a recall existed, it would be publicly listed and announced through official channels.

The bottom line

There is no truth to the viral claim that consumers should avoid purchasing chicken due to a hidden recall. Both the FDA and CDC are actively communicating with the public, and there is no record of any large-scale recall of chicken or eggs.

Consumers can always check official USDA and FDA recall databases for verified information regarding food safety.

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