Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW CLASSIC Recall: What To Do

Sempio Korean recall notices went out on September 25, 2026. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the action. Sempio Food Services Inc., of Cerritos, California, is recalling ready-to-eat chicken stew. The recall covers approximately 4,596 pounds of product. The stews were imported from the Republic of Korea without import reinspection. FSIS classified this as a Class I recall. If you keep Korean pantry foods at home, check your shelves today.

What the Sempio Korean Recall Covers

The recall covers two chicken stew products. Both come in cardboard boxes that hold pouches. Each pouch weighs 31.75 ounces, or 900 grams. The first product is labeled “Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW CLASSIC.” The second is labeled “Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW RICH.”

According to FSIS, the stews were produced on March 30, 2026. They carry a best-by date of September 29, 2027. As a result, many boxes may still look fresh and well within date. That is one reason the Sempio Korean recall matters. A long shelf life means product can sit in a pantry for months.

The agency record does not list lot codes beyond the production and best-by dates. It also does not name specific stores or states. However, FSIS typically posts label images with its notices. For example, the official notice includes a link to view the product labels. Compare your box against those images before you decide anything.

The total volume is approximately 4,596 pounds. That figure describes weight, not a count of boxes. In most cases, food recalls of this size reach grocery shelves, online sellers, or both. Check the official notice for the most current distribution details.

The Hazard and Reported Injuries

FSIS lists the reason for this recall as an import violation. The stews entered the United States without import reinspection. Reinspection is a key step for imported meat and poultry. It lets FSIS confirm that foreign products meet U.S. safety standards.

Without that check, the agency cannot verify how the product was handled or labeled. The agency record does not say a specific contaminant was found. However, FSIS still treats the gap seriously. As a result, the Sempio Korean recall carries a Class I rating. FSIS uses Class I for the most serious situations. It means there is a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death.

The agency record does not state whether any illnesses or injuries have been reported. The Sempio Korean recall notice we reviewed is silent on that point. We will not guess either way. If you ate this stew and feel unwell, contact a healthcare provider. Typically, doctors will want to know what you ate and when.

Keep in mind that recall details can change. FSIS sometimes updates notices as new facts emerge. For example, a notice may later add distribution states or retailer lists. Check back with the official source if you are unsure.

What To Do If You Own This Product

First, stop. Do not eat the stew, even if the pouch looks and smells normal. Import violations are not always visible. Set the box aside where no one in your household will grab it by mistake.

Next, identify the product. Look for the Sempio brand name and the words “Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW.” Check whether the label says CLASSIC or RICH. Confirm the 31.75-oz (900 g) pouch size. Then look for the best-by date of September 29, 2027.

For the remedy, follow the instructions in the official FSIS notice. We are not listing a remedy on this page. The agency data we received contained remedy text that did not match this product. Please read the notice directly for accurate steps.

Read the official FSIS notice for recall 024-2026

If you have food safety questions, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline can help. Call 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854). Save your receipt, the box, and a photo of the label. Those records help if you later have a health concern tied to the Sempio Korean recall.

Does a Sempio Korean Recall Mean You Can Sue?

A recall is not a lawsuit. It is a safety action taken by a company and a regulator. The Sempio Korean recall tells consumers to stop using a product. It does not, by itself, create a legal claim. Owning a recalled product is not the same as being harmed by it.

Product liability claims typically require two things. First, there must be a real injury or loss. Second, there must be evidence that the product caused that harm. For example, a person who became ill may need medical records linking the illness to the food. Without injury and causation, a claim is usually hard to support.

We have not verified any lawsuit filed over this Sempio Korean recall. If one is filed later, the specific facts will matter a great deal. If you believe you were harmed, speak with a licensed attorney in your state. You may be eligible to pursue a claim, depending on your situation. No one can promise an outcome in advance.

In the meantime, keep your evidence. Save packaging, receipts, and any medical records. Write down dates, symptoms, and where you bought the stew. As a result, a lawyer can review your situation more quickly and accurately.

How Recalls Connect to Mass Tort Cases

A recall sometimes becomes important evidence in later litigation. Recall notices can show when a company learned about a problem. They can also show how many products were affected. However, a recall alone does not prove that a product caused a specific injury.

The Philips CPAP case is one well-known example. In June 2021, Philips Respironics recalled millions of sleep apnea machines. The concern involved sound-dampening foam that could break down. Lawsuits followed, and federal cases were consolidated in Pennsylvania. The recall helped frame the issues that courts later examined.

Takata airbags offer another example. Defective inflators led to one of the largest auto recalls in U.S. history. Litigation followed over injuries and deaths tied to rupturing inflators. Typically, though, most recalls never become mass torts. Many food recalls, like the Sempio Korean recall, end with product removal and no litigation at all.

For consumers, the lesson is simple. Follow the recall instructions first. Keep good records second. Then, if real harm occurred, get qualified legal advice. That order protects your health and your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products are included in the Sempio Korean recall?

Two products are included. They are 31.75-oz (900 g) pouches of “Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW CLASSIC” and “Sempio Korean Ginseng CHICKEN STEW RICH,” sold in cardboard boxes. Both were produced on March 30, 2026, with a best-by date of September 29, 2027.

Why was the Sempio chicken stew recalled?

FSIS says the stews were imported from the Republic of Korea without import reinspection. That means the agency could not confirm they met U.S. standards. FSIS rated the recall Class I, its most serious category.

Can I get a refund or replacement?

Follow the instructions in the official FSIS notice linked on this page. We are not stating a remedy because the agency data we received did not match this product. The notice itself is the most reliable source.

Were You Injured by a Recalled Product?

A recall by itself is a safety action, not a legal claim. However, if a recalled product caused a real injury, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. A licensed attorney can review your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover.

Official Sources & Resources

Verify every recall against the issuing agency before acting:

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: official recall database — the record of truth for this notice
• CPSC: cpsc.gov — household goods, toys, furniture, appliances
• FDA: fda.gov — food, drugs, and medical devices
• NHTSA: nhtsa.gov — vehicles, tires, and child car seats
• USDA FSIS: fsis.usda.gov — meat, poultry, and egg products

Content last reviewed September 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.

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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. A product recall is a safety action by a manufacturer or regulator and does not by itself establish liability or create a legal claim. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique. If you believe you were harmed by a recalled product, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.