Major US meat processor Cargill has launched a national recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey linked to an outbreak of drug-resistant salmonella, blamed for killing one person and sickening 76 others, officials said.
The the voluntary recall follows a July 29 US public health warning from the US Department of Agriculture that linked the salmonella poisoning to turkey products. Production of ground turkey products at Cargill’s Springdale, Arkansas plant is also being suspended as investigation into the source continues, the meat giant said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that the outbreak strain has been reported in 26 states between March 1 and August 1.
Just over a third of those infected with the bacteria were hospitalized. The illnesses are being linked to a virulent strain of salmonella that has been around for decades and is resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics, said the CDC.
The CDC urged consumers to cook meat thoroughly to a final temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius), and said it was continuing its investigation in an attempt to identify the exact source of the bacteria.
Recalled Cargill Ground Turkey Products
August 3, 2011
The products involved are Ground Turkey. All packages include Est. P-963 on the label. Products are listed below:
Ground Turkey Chubs – Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
- 10 lbs. Chubs of Honeysuckle White Fresh Natural Lean Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
- 10 lbs. Chubs of Unbranded Ground Turkey w/ Natural Flavoring 2 Pack
- 80 oz. (5 lbs.) chubs of Riverside Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
- 10 lb. Chub of Natural Lean Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Fresh Lean HEB Ground Turkey 93/7
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Fresh HEB Ground Turkey 85/15
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Fresh Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
- 4-1 Pound Packages of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring Value Pack
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey
- 48 oz. (3 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey
85% Ground Turkey – Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
- 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
- 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey Colored with Paprika
- 19.2 oz. (1 lb. 3.2 oz.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh 85/15
- 48.0 oz. (3 lb.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh 85/15
- 20 oz. (1.25 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
- 48.0 oz. (3 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey Family Pack
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
- 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White Seasoned Italian Style Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
- 20 oz. (1 lb. 4 oz.) trays of Safeway Fresh Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings * 15% Fat
- (NOTE: Sold in Texas only at Randall’s and Tom Thumb, Use or Freeze by 03/12/11 through 05/05/11)
93% Ground Turkey – Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
- 19.2 oz. (1.20 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey
- 48 oz. (3.0 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey Family Pack
- 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Fit & Active Lean Ground Turkey 93/07
- 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.) trays of Giant Eagle Ground Turkey Fresh & Premium Lean
- 19.2 oz. (1 lb 3.2 oz.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh Lean 93/7
- 20 oz. (1.25 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey
Ground Patties
- 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey Patties
Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Kroger Ground Seasoned Turkey Patties Fresh 85/15
Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
- 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey Burgers with Natural Flavoring
NOTE: ONLY THE FOLLOWING USE OR FREEZE BY DATES ARE AFFECTED: 07/09/11, 07/10/11, 07/11/11, 07/15/11, 07/16/11, 07/21/11, 07/22/11, 07/24/11, 08/01/11 AND 08/04/11
Frozen Ground Turkey – Production Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/2/11
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
- 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Spartan Ground Turkey
- 48 oz. (3 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
- 40 lb. Bulk Packed Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring For Food Service Use Only
