Recall on Processed Chicken

The latest from the USDA on meat recalls:


Utah Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Meals That May Contain Foreign Materials

Recall Release
CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-043-2008
HEALTH RISK: HIGHCongressional and Public Affairs (202) 720-9113 Roger SockmanWASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Springville, Utah, establishment, is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The following products are subject to recall:
9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Before MAY 2010.”
10.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8231595912” or “8241595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2010”; a production code of “8263595912,” “8269595911” or “8274595912,” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2010”; or, a production code of “8291595912” or “8301595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2010.”
12.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN TUSCAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8234595911” and a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2009”; a production code of “8253595911” or “8269595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2009”; or, a production code of “8292595911” or “8296595911” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2009.” Each package also bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number “EST P-9018.” The frozen chicken meals were produced on Aug. 18, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 9, Sept. 19, Sept. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide. The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints and a report of one injury. The company identified the objects as small pieces of hard plastic. FSIS has not received other reports of injury. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should consult a medical professional. Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing Communications Manager Roz O’Hearn at (440-264-5170) Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800-227-6188)


How can something like this go on for so long before it is noticed? Nearly three months elapsed and the company might not have known then was it not for consumer complaints and an injury.
What kind of inspection process would catch this type of contamination?
Someone should have noticed pieces of machinery missing in August. Did they see it? Did they tell someone?
What percentage of finished product do they inspect in their Quality Control department?
I bet they have a HACCP plan and surely pass all the USDA inspections so that they can operate.
Does this concern you? I am sure that this company does not want this to happen.
What changes are they making to prevent it from happening again?
Ultimately, each person on the production line and in the maintenance department is responsible to ensure that this cannot occur.

Yours in food safety,
Rudy