The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with state health departments in different states to monitor the outbreaks.
A public health alert has been issued by the US Department of Agriculture‘s Food Safety (USDA) and Inspection Service (FSIS) in response to reports of illnesses that resulted from consumer exposure to Salmonella Heidelberg in Foster Farm’s raw chicken products. The outbreak began in March but was only made public very recently.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with state health departments in different states to monitor the outbreaks, which have so far been reported in about 20 states and Puerto Rico. So far there have been about 320 reported illnesses. The CDC has estimated that there are probably hundreds more cases that have gone unreported. The products that have been linked to the strains of Salmonella Heidelberg were also sold at retail outlets in Oregon and Washington State. The FSIS has also stated that its investigation is ongoing.
40,000 Pounds of Chicken Recalled
And now Costco has taken the initiative to issue a recall of the possibly tainted Foster Farms products. Until now warnings have been issued but there have been no recalls. The Costco store, which is located in San Francisco, has decided to remove about 40,000 pounds of chicken products due to the possible contamination. Included in the recall are 8,800 Kirkland Signature Foster Farms rotisserie chickens, more than 310 units rotisserie chicken salad, rotisserie chicken leg quarters, and of Kirkland Farm rotisserie chicken soup.
These products came from chickens that had been processed at the three facilities that have been linked with the contamination. The chicken products were sold at this particular Costco store between September 11 and September 23.
Though the three facilities where the contamination originated have been identified, so far FSIS has not yet been able to pinpoint the production period when the contamination occurred or link the contamination to one specific product. But consumers who believe they may have purchased Foster Farms chicken products that could be contaminated can check to see if the products have the establishment or inspection numbers associated with the facilities. Products that were processed at these facilities should have one of the numbers P6137, P6137A, or P7632 somewhere on the package.
QFC and Fred Meyer stores have also voluntarily recalled products processed at these plants. These recalls include Simple Truth Organic and Kroger Value deli chicken and rotisserie chicken products. The products can be returned to the stores for a full refund. A spokesperson for Fred Meyer stores has noted that the store will continue to sell other Foster Farms poultry products that were processed at facilities not affected by the outbreak.
In its warning to consumers, the USDA reminded consumers that they should take precautions when preparing chicken, keeping it separate from other food, double bagging poultry, making sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, and thoroughly washing dishware, surfaces, and utensils that could have come into contact with raw poultry.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney
Consumers who have been affected by this outbreak or who have become ill after purchasing and consuming other contaminated food products should contact a product liability attorney to discuss legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for injury and damages resulting from the incident.
photo credit: terren in Virginia via Flickr
