The Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to raw, frozen, stuffed chicken entrees made by Barber Foods has ended, according to the CDC. However, the government warns that this product has a long shelf life and may still be in consumer’s homes. Anyone who is not aware of this recall could eat these products and get sick. This is not the same Salmonella outbreak as the one linked to raw, frozen, stuffed chicken trees made by Aspen Foods, which is ongoing.
Fifteen people in seven states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella. Four persons were hospitalized; no deaths were reported. The case count by state is:Connecticut (1), Illinois (2), Minnesota (8), New Hampshire (1), New York (1), Oklahoma (1), and Wisconsin (1).
All four of the outbreak strains of Salmonella Enteritidis were resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline, which is probably why the hospitalization rate in this particular outbreak was so high. Antibiotic resistance is also associated with an increased risk of bloodstream infection and treatment failure.
Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to find people in this outbreak. Illness onset dates ranged from April 5, 2015 to July 27, 2015. Ill persons ranged in age from 4 years to 82, with a median age of 32.
Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback information indicated that raw, frozen, stuffed, and breaded chicken entrees produced by Barber Foods were the likely cause of this outbreak. Of the 10 people interviewed, 90% ate one of those products before they got sick.
In addition, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected 15 samples of unopened products made by Barber Foods from retail locations and found Salmonella in 14 of those samples. One sample yielded one of the Salmonella outbreak strains. And unopened Barber Foods frozen chicken entrees were collected from two ill persons’ homes. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis was found in three of those samples.
Barber Foods recalled about 38,320 pounds of Chicken Kiev on July 2, 2015 that were sold in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. That recall was expanded on July 12, 2015 to include 1.7 million pounds of more Chicken Kiev products. They had use by/sell-by dates of April 28, 2016, May 20, 2016, and July 21, 2016 and lot codes 0950292102, 0950512101, or 0951132202. The products have the establishment number “P-276” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Those products were shipped nationwide.
Then, Omaha Steaks recalled stuffed chicken breast products made by Barber Foods. A small number had the establishment number “P-4230A” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, chills, nausea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Symptoms usually appear six hours to three days after exposure to the bacteria. Most people recover within about a week, but some, especially in this outbreak, become so sick they need to be hospitalized.
If you purchased any of the recalled products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a double bag or sealed container so other people and animals can’t eat them. You can also return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling these products.
