Turkey

Jennie-O Recalling Ground Turkey Products in Salmonella Outbreak

The recall is the first tied to an outbreak the U.S. Department of Agriculture says is widespread

What to Know

  • Jennie-O is recalling 1-pound packages of raw, ground turkey products produced on Sept. 11, 2018
  • The recall is the first tied to an outbreak the U.S. Department of Agriculture says is widespread
  • The outbreak has resulted in at least one death and 164 reported illnesses in 35 states

Jennie-O-Turkey is recalling approximately 91,388 pounds of raw turkey products in an ongoing salmonella outbreak.

The recall is the first tied to an outbreak the U.S. Department of Agriculture says is widespread. It has resulted in one death and 164 reported illnesses in 35 states.

Regulators did not say how many of those people were exposed to Jennie-O products. They say additional products from other companies could be named as their investigation continues.

The USDA announced Thursday it had found that a sample of Jennie-O brand ground turkey "in an intact, unopened package from a case-patient’s home" tested positive for a salmonella reading matching the outbreak strain.

The products being recalled include 1-pound packages of raw, ground turkey produced on Sept. 11, 2018 and had a use-by date of October, but could still be in freezers. 

The items in the recall have establishment number P-190 inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were shipped to retail locations nationwide, according to the USDA announcement.

The following items are included in the recall:

  • 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 93% LEAN | 7% FAT" with "Use by" dates of 10/01/2018 and 10/02/2018
  • 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O TACO SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018
  • 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O GROUND TURKEY 85% LEAN | 15% FAT" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018
  • 1-lb. packages of "Jennie-O ITALIAN SEASONED GROUND TURKEY" with a "Use by" date of 10/02/2018

Regulators say the product should be thrown away or return them to the place of purchase.

A single supplier hasn't been identified in connection with the outbreak. The rare salmonella strain was identified in live turkeys, as well as in ground turkey, turkey patties and raw turkey pet food.

To limit risk, the CDC recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees, and washing hands and counters that have touched uncooked meat.

The CDC estimates salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses a year. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps and can last up to seven days. Illnesses are more likely to be severe in the elderly and infants, according to the CDC.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jennie-O at 1-800-621-3505, 8 a.m. CT to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. CT to 5 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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