A new Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in Canada is linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products. At least eleven people are sick; one person has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The case count by province is: British Columbia (2), Alberta (1), Ontario (2), Quebec (3), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (1), and Prince Edward Island (1). Illness onset dates range from September 2018 and April 2019.
Because there have been so many Salmonella outbreaks linked to frozen breaded raw chicken products in Canada in the past few years, the Canadian government has implemented new industry measures for controlling the risk of Salmonella in these foods. The measures took effect on April 1, 2019, but product made before this date are still on the market and are still in consumers’ freezers.
Because these products made before the industry controls took effect are available and people are still eating them, the government is warning consumers to handle frozen raw breaded chicken products carefully. That warning includes uncooked chicken nuggets, chicken strips, chicken burgers, popcorn chicken, and chicken fries.
You can get sick from eating these products that have not been thoroughly cooked to 16t5°F. Or you could get sick from cross-contamination between the breading, which can fall off the chicken, and surfaces or utensils it touches. Follow cooking instructions carefully and make sure that the internal temperature is at least 74°C, verified by a reliable food thermometer, before eating. Whole chickens should be cooked to an internal temperature of 82°C (180°F).
Compliments brand chicken strips have been recalled in association with this outbreak. Those raw, frozen, breaded chicken products were sold nationwide until May 1, 2019. If you have this product in your home, discard it.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include chills and fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody. People are usually sick for a few days up to a week, but some may become so ill they need to be hospitalized. If you have eaten frozen breaded chicken products and have been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor.
