Jennie-O is recalling an additional 164-thousand pounds of its raw ground turkey products after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 52 more cases of illness caused by salmonella.
The company first issued a recall warning last month covering 91-thousand pounds of raw turkey products.
So far, 216 people in 38 states have become ill, including right here in Michigan. One person has died. There also have been cases reported in Canada linked to the same salmonella strain.
As you may know, salmonella is a bacteria that can make people sick. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, vomiting and stomach cramps. Salmonella causes more than 1 million foodborne illnesses every year. To prevent contamination, make sure you properly handle and cook turkey and other poultry.
Anchor Question: So what should people do if they have the raw turkey products?
Dr. Nandi: First of all, check your freezer for packages of Jennie-O raw turkey produced at the company’s Minnesota plant. Here’s what to look for:
• The recalled packages are marked on the lower left with the tag number P-579.
• They were sold in 1-pound, 2.5-pound and 3-pound packages.
• And, the label says to use or freeze the product by November 12 or 13.
The recall involves plain ground turkey and turkey with taco or Italian seasonings.
If you have any of these products, throw them out.
Anchor Question: Is it just Jennie-O raw turkey products that we should be concerned about?
For now, yes. But, health regulators are also investigating products from other companies. The strain of salmonella in this outbreak was also found in the manufacturing plants of 19 companies. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has not yet named these other companies, because it has not been able to tie their specific products to confirmed illnesses.
