Private-label grocery brands are bigger than ever, and Wegmans is at the forefront of that growth. With private-label sales hitting a record $271 billion in 2024, more than half of U.S. shoppers now buy store-brand products more often than national brands, according to recent industry data.
So when Wegmans issued a public health alert for its 46-ounce Family Pack Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets, it wasn’t just about one product. It was a moment that underscored how much consumers now rely on private-label foods—and why food safety matters as these brands continue to dominate grocery shelves.
What’s The Recall
On January 29, 2025, Wegmans voluntarily recalled its FYFGA (For Your Family, Great Always) Chicken Breast Nuggets (46 oz.) due to potential contamination with bone fragments.
Key details:
- Best If Used By Date: August 26, 2025
- UPC Code: 0-77890-25210-9
- Health Risk: The USDA issued a public health alert but did not request a full recall, meaning the product does not pose an immediate, widespread health threat but could still cause injury if consumed.
- Next Steps: Customers should not eat the product and can return it to Wegmans for a full refund.
According to Wegmans’ official recall notice, the recall was issued after concerns were raised about bone fragments in the product. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) classified the issue under a public health alert, which means the product may still be in consumers’ freezers but does not require an official recall through the agency.
Why This Recall Matters
Private-label grocery brands are growing faster than ever, and Wegmans is one of the industry leaders. According to a report from Store Brands, Wegmans has positioned itself as more than just a grocery chain—it is a private-label powerhouse, with its FYFGA (For Your Family, Great Always) line playing a major role in consumer loyalty.
More broadly, private-label grocery sales hit $271 billion in 2024, outpacing national brands, according to data from a report published in Grocery Dive. Additional research found that:
- 55% of shoppers bought more private-label products last year than national brands.
- 46% of consumers plan to buy even more private-label products in the near future.
As private labels continue to gain market share, the expectation is no longer just affordability—it’s that store-brand foods must meet or exceed the quality of national brands. Recalls like this one reinforce that food safety and quality control are just as critical for private-label giants as they are for legacy brands.
What This Recall Means for Shoppers
This recall comes at a time when the US is navigating challenges with poultry products. Over the past year, shoppers have faced egg shortages, price spikes, and concerns about avian flu outbreaks affecting poultry supply chains.
While bone fragment contamination is different from these issues, it underscores how food safety and supply chain challenges can affect even trusted grocery store brands. For shoppers, the focus isn’t just on Wegmans—it’s on how they evaluate poultry products overall and how retailers ensure safety across their private-label lines.
According to a CoBank report on private-label grocery trends, private labels are expected to keep growing, and food retailers must keep pace with rising expectations for food safety, transparency, and quality assurance.
What Consumers Should Do Next
- Check your freezer: if you have Wegmans FYFGA Chicken Breast Nuggets (46 oz, Best By August 26, 2025), do not eat them.
- Return the product to Wegmans for a full refund: the store is offering replacements or refunds for affected customers.
- Stay informed: sign up for USDA recall alerts and your grocery store’s food safety notifications.
The Future of Private Label & Food Safety
Even as recalls make headlines, private-label grocery brands continue to dominate. Today’s consumers expect private-label foods to offer the same quality and reliability as name brands—and that means retailers must keep food safety at the center of their growth strategies.
For shoppers, the real takeaway isn’t just about one recall—it’s about understanding how store-brand foods are evolving. As private-label brands become household staples, food safety will be a bigger conversation than ever.
What do you think? Does a recall like this change how you shop for private-label foods? Let me know in the comments.
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