Sempio Recalls 4,596 Pounds of Chicken Stew Over Import Violation 2026

Sempio Food Services Inc., based in Cerritos, Calif., is recalling approximately 4,596 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken stew products after it was discovered the items were imported from the Republic of Korea without undergoing required import reinspection in the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall covers cardboard boxes containing pouches of 31.75-oz (900 g) ‘Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW CLASSIC’ and 31.75-oz (900 g) ‘Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW RICH’. The products were produced on March 30, 2026, and carry a best-by date of September 29, 2027. They bear the Korean establishment number ‘GIA15001’ and shipping mark ‘MK-2026-0422-01’.

• Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW CLASSIC, 31.75-oz (900 g) pouches
• Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW RICH, 31.75-oz (900 g) pouches
• Best-by date: September 29, 2027
• Establishment number: GIA15001
• Shipping mark: MK-2026-0422-01

Why Was This Recall Issued?

The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities, which found that the chicken stew products had entered the United States without the benefit of import reinspection. Products imported into the U.S. are required to undergo this reinspection process to confirm they meet American food safety standards before they can be distributed to consumers. Because this step was bypassed, FSIS classified the recall as a Class I event, its highest-risk designation, reflecting a reasonable probability that use of the product could cause serious health consequences. As of this announcement, there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury linked to consumption of these products.

Who Is Affected?

The recalled chicken stew products were distributed to distributors and retailers in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. FSIS is concerned that some of the recalled product may still be sitting in consumers’ pantries in these states. Anyone who purchased the affected ‘Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW CLASSIC’ or ‘CHICKEN STEW RICH’ pouches in the listed states should check their packaging against the details above.

What Should You Do?

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. Retailers are urged not to sell them. Follow these steps:

• Check your pantry for the 31.75-oz pouches of ‘Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW CLASSIC’ or ‘RICH’ with a best-by date of September 29, 2027
• Do not eat the product, even if it looks or smells normal
• Throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase
• Contact a healthcare provider if you are concerned about illness or injury after eating the product
• For questions, contact Daniel Park, President of Sempio Food Services, USA, at 562-207-9540, Ext. 101 or dypark3438@sempiofs.net
• Consumers with general food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov
• To report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, use the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, available 24 hours a day

Official Statement

FSIS said it routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to ensure the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website. The agency reiterated that there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury due to consumption of these products, but that the recall remains active given the possibility that affected pouches are still in consumers’ homes.