Cargill Recalls 36 Million Pounds of Ground Turkey

US - Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation is recalling approximately 36 million pounds of ground turkey products that may be contaminated with a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg.

4 August 2011

3 minute read

North America

The products subject to recall today bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and include the following:

Ground Turkey Chubs - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
85% Ground Turkey - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
93% Ground Turkey - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
Ground Patties
Frozen Ground Turkey - Production Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/2/11

These products were distributed at the retail level nationwide.

Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation has called on consumers, who may have bought these products to return them to the point-of-purchase.

When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' web site [click here].

This recall follows a FSIS Public Health Alert on 29 July that was initiated due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella Heidelberg that may be associated with use and consumption of ground turkey.

A total of 79 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 26 states between 1 March and 3 August.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics. Among the ill persons with available information, 22 (38 per cent) have been hospitalised and one death has been reported.

As a result of the epidemiologic and traceback investigations, as well as in-plant findings, FSIS determined that there is a link between the Cargill ground turkey products and this illness outbreak.

FSIS is continuing to work with CDC, affected state public health partners, and the company on the investigation.

FSIS will continue to provide information as it becomes available, including information about any further related recall activity. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.