The ready-to-eat meat may have come in contact with a surprising substance. Here's what shoppers should know.
It’s a common experience: you’re doing a quick grocery run at the end of a busy day when suddenly the irresistible aroma of the rotisserie chicken section hits. Next thing you know, one’s made its way into your cart, offering an easy, protein-packed meal without the extra calories associated with some fast food options. However, for shoppers at one beloved Southeastern grocery chain, there’s a new notice to know about, as some sold rotisserie chickens “may have come into contact with oven cleaning materials.”
In a January 14 notice, Publix Super Markets, Inc. posted about a voluntary recall of a limited batch of oven roasted chicken sold at one Florida location. Per the notice, the recall applies only to Lemon Pepper Oven Roasted Chicken sold at Publix Store 0896, located in the Shoppes of Navarre Shopping Center in Navarre, Florida, before 11:00 a.m. on January 14, 2026. The affected products bear a sell-by date of January 14, 2026. Chicken sold at that store after 11:00 a.m. on January 14 is not affected, and no other Publix locations or products are included in this recall.
The chain—which has earned a fan following for its customizable sub sandwiches featuring options like chicken tenders—operates exclusively in the Southeast, though the company website shows the largest concentration of stores are found in Florida.
According to the company, the recall is being conducted “out of an abundance of caution.” Publix emphasized that the affected chicken should not be eaten, and customers who purchased the recalled product are advised to discard it immediately or return it to the store for a full refund.
While the recall notice does not report any illnesses or injuries, ingesting food that has been contaminated with cleaning chemicals can cause potentially serious symptoms. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, oven cleaner poisoning can affect many parts of the body because these products contain corrosive alkalis. If swallowed or inhaled, symptoms can include severe pain or burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and throat swelling that can make breathing and swallowing hard.
Publix representatives note that the food currently stocked in stores is safe to consume: “As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from the store shelves,” said Maria Brous, director of communications for Publix.
Customers with questions or concerns can contact Publix Customer Care at 1-800-242-1227 for additional information.
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