Sempio Food Services Inc. of Cerritos, California, is recalling approximately 4,596 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken stew that was imported from South Korea without going through the required U.S. import reinspection. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall late September 2026. The recalled Sempio Korean Ginseng Chicken Stew was shipped to distributors and retailers in eight states. Because the product’s best-by date is still a year away, federal officials are concerned it may still be sitting in home pantries.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recall covers two varieties of the stew, both sold as 31.75-ounce (900-gram) pouches packed in cardboard boxes: Sempio Korean Ginseng Chicken Stew Classic and Sempio Korean Ginseng Chicken Stew Rich. Both products were produced on March 30, 2026, and carry a best-by date of September 29, 2027. Look for Korean establishment number GIA15001 and shipping mark MK-2026-0422-01 on the packaging. The stew was distributed in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
All meat and poultry products imported into the United States must be reinspected by FSIS when they arrive to confirm they meet American food safety standards. During routine surveillance, FSIS discovered that these chicken stew shipments entered the country without that required check. The recall is based on the missed inspection rather than a confirmed contamination. There have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury linked to the products. However, without reinspection, federal officials cannot verify that the stew meets U.S. safety requirements. Anyone concerned about an illness or injury should contact a healthcare provider.
What Should You Do?
If you have Sempio Korean Ginseng Chicken Stew at home, do not eat it. Check your pantry for the Classic or Rich varieties bearing the establishment number and shipping mark listed above. FSIS recommends throwing the product away or returning it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions can contact Daniel Park, President of Sempio Food Services USA, at 562-207-9540, Ext. 101, or by email at dypark3438@sempiofs.net. For general food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.
