Recall alert: 164,000 pounds of ground turkey recalled in 17 states after health threat

On December 21, it was announced that approximately 164,210 pounds of raw ground turkey products were recalled. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The brand responsible for these products was Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, Inc., from Faribault, Minnesota. It’s believed that other brands from other companies may be recalled as well.

The recall was made as part of an investigation involving the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state public health and agriculture partners. All these departments have been working together on a case involving 216 case-patients in 38 states and the District of Columbia.

The items that were recalled were Jennie-O Turkey products that were produced on October 22-23. They have freeze-by dates as late as November 13.

For more on this story go to our Twitter account @amomama_usa. The products have the establishment number “EST. P-579” inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the side of the tray.

The recalled turkey was shipped to retail locations nationwide. Traceback results for an unopened package sample of Jennie-O brand ground turkey from a case-patient’s home was used for the recall.

The patient in possession of the item tested positive for Salmonella. It was also found that the samples from the case-patient and from the ground turkey were closely related genetically.

Patients who’ve been infected so far were found to have eaten different types and brands of turkey products purchased from many different stores. Others handled raw turkey pet food and/or raw turkey, worked with live turkeys or they were living with someone who handled live turkeys.

As the investigation continues, additional products from other companies may also be recalled. Eating Salmonella-contaminated products can cause salmonellosis which is one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses.

Common symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts for 4 to 7 days.

Most people recover without treatment. People who are concerned about the illness are advised to contact their health care provider.

FSIS has urged those that have the product frozen in their freezers to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

It’s advised that raw poultry product should only be consumed if they’ve been cooked to a temperature of 165°F. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Hormel Consumer Engagement, at (800) 621-3505.

The most common way to get salmonella is by eating meat or eggs or drinking milk that’s contaminated. However, the bacteria can also contaminate you if you eat fruits or vegetables that have been in contact with manure from animals that have it.