With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the CDC issues a turkey recall after linking turkey products to a salmonella outbreak. Jennie-O recalled 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products after the USDA found that a sample of the products tested positive for a salmonella reading matching the outbreak strain.
About Salmonella
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. The bacteria usually live in animal and human intestines and shed through feces. Consuming contaminated water or food spreads the infection to humans. Symptoms last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, however, it may take several months before bowels return to normal. However, salmonella can develop into typhoid fever. This is a deadly disease. About 300 people get typhoid fever in the United States each year. About 22 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 related deaths occur worldwide each year.
Turkey Recall Affects 100,000 lbs
The samples collected by the USDA were from a Sept. 11, 2018, nationwide production. The agency first discovered the link in July. However, more have become ill. The total is at least 164 in 35 states. One person in California has died, and 63 people needed hospitalization.
The outbreak started in November 2017. However, the CDC does not know where the salmonella turkey originated from. Also, there isn’t a single centralized distributor. Meaning that the outbreak could be widespread throughout the turkey industry. Lab tests show that the salmonella came from a variety of products, including ground turkey and turkey patties. Tests showed that it’s also been in live turkeys and pet food.
There are an estimated 1.2 million salmonella cases in the United States annually, and various foods are to blame for about 1 million of those illnesses. The CDC said that if you plan to handle raw turkey, make sure you are extra careful: Wash your hands after touching it. Cook products thoroughly to avoid getting sick. Thaw turkeys in the refrigerator and not on the counter.
If Injured by the Outbreak
Food poisoning lawsuits play an important role in keeping food systems safe. These lawsuits hold negligent corporations accountable. Plus, it shows lawmakers that food safety is imperative. When outbreaks caused by bacteria or viruses injure people, most of the time it is from a manufacturer being negligent. The company is fully aware of their potentially dangerous practices and do not correct it. Thus, customers’ lives are endangered.