In recent years, multiple recalls have been issued for raw ground turkey after outbreaks of Salmonella.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting raw turkey induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Salmonella, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Ground Turkey Linked to 28 Salmonella Illnesses in 12 States
On April 12, 2021, the CDC issued a Food Safety Alert for ground turkey after 28 infections with Salmonella Hadar were reported in 12 states. Two people were hospitalized.
Illnesses were reported in Arizona (1), Connecticut (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), Massachusetts (7), Missouri (1), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (2), New York (4), North Carolina (3), Pennsylvania (4), and Virginia (2).
However, the CDC cautions: “The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.”
Over 200,000-lbs. of Raw Ground Turkey Linked to Salmonella Hadar Outbreak
In April 2021, the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for 211,406 pounds of raw ground turkey products with “use-by” dates in January 2021 due to a risk of Salmonella Hadar infections.
No recall was issued because the products are not available for sale. However, one product did test positive for Salmonella Hadar.
The product was collected from the home of a sick person as part of an investigation into 28 infections with Salmonella Hadar in 12 states, with illnesses starting between December 2020 and March 2021.
Turkey products linked to the Salmonella outbreak include:
- 1-lb. packages of Nature’s Promise Free from 94% Lean 6% Fat Gound Turkey with use-by dates of 1/1/21, 1/3/21,1/4/21, 1/8/21 and 1/10/21
- 1-lb. packages of Wegman 94% Lean 6% Fat Ground Turkey with use-by dates of 1/3/21, 1/4/21, 1/8/21 and 1/10/21
- 3-lb. packages of Wegman 94% Lean 6% Fat Ground Turkey with use-by dates of 1/3/21, 1/4/21, 1/8/21 and 1/10/21
- 1-lb. packages of Plainville Farms Ground White Turkey 93% Lean 7% Fat with a use-by date of 1/10/21
Butterball Ground Turkey Recalled After 6 Salmonella Illnesses Reported
March 2019 — Butterball announced a recall for over 78,000 pounds of raw ground turkey that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The CDC reports that at least 6 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella in the following states: Minnesota (1), Wisconsin (4), and North Carolina (1), including 1 person who was hospitalized, between December 2018 and February 2019.
The pre-packaged raw ground turkey was produced July 7, 2018. All of the recalled products have a use- or sell-by date of July 26, 2018.
“Because these products were packaged nine months ago, it is highly unlikely any of the product will be found in retail stores, but it is possible that consumers may have product in their freezers.”
The recalled products are labeled with the establishment number “EST. P-7345” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The illnesses are not linked to a previous outbreak of Salmonella that was linked to Jennie-O raw ground turkey, pet food, and other turkey products in 2018.
Jennie-O Turkey Recall
November 2018 — Jennie-O recalled 91,000 pounds of raw ground turkey (85% lean, 95% lean, taco seasoned, and Italian seasoned) because a product tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella that made a person in Arizona sick. Click here to read more.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Turkey
At least 164 people in 35 states have been infected with Salmonella after eating or handling raw turkey between November 2017 and October 2018.
One person in California died of Salmonella and 63 people were hospitalized, according to an outbreak investigation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
What is the Problem?
A variety of raw turkey products have tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella that is making people sick. The products include ground turkey, turkey patties, turkey burgers, raw turkey pet food, and live turkeys. The evidence suggests that Salmonella contamination is widespread in the turkey industry.
“Raws for Paws” Recalled for Salmonella
In February 2018, around 4,000 pounds of “Raws for Paws® Ground Turkey Food for Pets” was recalled after 4 cans tested positive for Salmonella and 2 children in Minnesota were sickened after touching pet food that was used to feed the family dog.
What Should I Do?
Investigators have not discovered a single, common source for the contaminated turkey. Sick people have reported eating a variety of different types of turkey from different stores. Instead of avoiding turkey, the CDC is recommending that consumers cook it properly and take steps to prevent cross-contamination.
Salmonella bacteria is killed by heating raw turkey to an internal temperature of 165ºF. Furthermore, consumers should be extra careful to wash their hands after touching raw turkey, as well as any utensils, cutting boards, or surfaces that contacted the turkey.
Salmonella Food Poisoning
Salmonella can cause symptoms within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. The symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps for about a week. Most people recover on their own, but Salmonella food poisoning can be deadly.
“In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.”
Do I have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting raw turkey induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Salmonella, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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