The Salmonella outbreak linked to Barber Foods frozen, raw, stuffed Chicken Kiev has sickened two more people according to the USDA. Based on epidemiological evidence and traceback investigations, six case-patients have been identified in Minnesota and Wisconsin. That is an increase of two patients since the last update 5 days ago.
Those patients became ill from April 5, 2015 to June 23, 2015. They are sick with Salmonella Enteritidis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not updated their investigation report since July 8, 2015.
Barber Foods has expanded the recall of their product to include more than 1.7 million pounds. The original recall on July 2, 2015 was for 58,000 pounds.
The government is concerned that some product is still in consumer’s freezers. And since several of those sickened told officials that they cooked the product correctly, using a food thermometer to check on the final internal temperature, officials are also concerned that the product is not being treated as a raw chicken product. It looks cooked, since it is pre-browned, but it is completely raw.
Always cook chicken products to a temperature of 165°F. Remember that color is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Avoid cross-contamination between these products and uncooked foods, and wash all surfaces, utensils, and your hands with soap and water after they come into contact with these frozen products. The breading on the products can fall off; that breading is most likely contaminated with Salmonella bacteria as well.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Most people recover in a week, but some, especially the elderly and others in high risk groups, can become so ill they need to be hospitalized. According to the CDC, at least two of these patients have been hospitalized.
If you ate this product and have experienced the symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning, please see your doctor. Long term complications of this infection can be severe, including reactive arthritis and heart problems.
More products may be part of this recall. As of press time, the XLS file that the USDA said identified them was not completed. Check back here for more information; we’ll keep you informed.
