The Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in Canada that is linked to poultry has been updated to include a product that has been recalled: frozen raw breaded chicken nuggets. That product, Harvest Creek Chicken Nuggets, has been recalled from the marketplace.
Those sickened live in four provinces. The case count outbreak by province is: Alberta (2), Ontario (17), Quebec (7), and New Brunswick (4). Four individuals have been hospitalized because their illness is so serious. The recalled chicken nuggets were distributed in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec, and may have been sold in other provinces.
This product has been linked to this outbreak investigation, according to the notice by Public Health Canada. Officials are advising consumers not to consume this product.
Several of the ill persons in this outbreak reported eating Harvest Creek Chicken Nuggets before they got sick. In addition, food samples of the product, with the best before date of October 11, 2018 have tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis. These samples have the same genetic fingerprint, found using whole genome sequencing (WGS), as the isolates taken from patients.
The outbreak notice states that the risk to Canadians is low. Salmonella Enteritidis is often found on raw chicken and frozen raw breaded chicken products. In the U.S., there have been several Salmonella outbreaks linked to these types of products, including a 2015 outbreak that sickened 15 people that was linked to recalled Barber Foods raw, stuffed, frozen poultry products.
The issue with these products is that they look cooked, even though they are raw. The Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria can be on the breading attached to these foods. If it falls off, it can contaminate kitchen surfaces, and other foods and surfaces can pick up the bacteria. Frozen raw breaded chicken products must be prepared carefully, according to package instructions, and always cooked thoroughly. Cook them to a temperature of at least 165°F and test that with a food thermometer. It’s also important that you don’t microwave these products, since heating can be uneven.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, muscle aches, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever that may be bloody. The symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure. While most people recover on their own without any medical care, some do become so ill they need to be hospitalized. If you have eaten this product and have been sick, see your doctor.
