The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released information about handling raw chicken to avoid food poisoning. Raw chicken is often contaminated with pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens. About a million Americans get sick with food poisoning after eating improperly prepared chicken every year. To prevent food poisoning from chicken, there are some things you can do. First, when you're shopping, put any raw poultry in a disposable bag before placing it in your shopping cart. Refrigerate the poultry promptly when you get home. Wash your hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds after handling raw chicken. And never even rinse or wash raw chicken. The water can cause the bacteria on the chicken to aerosolize and spread it … [Read more...]
Salmonella Outbreak in Canada Linked to Raw Turkey and Chicken Ends
The Salmonella outbreak in Canada linked to raw turkey and chicken is over, according to a notice published on Public Health Canada. Even though the outbreak is over, officials say that "illnesses could be reported because this Salmonella strain is present in some raw turkey and raw chicken products in the Canadian marketplace." Officials recommend that consumers handle raw turkey and raw chicken carefully and cook it thoroughly to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer to avoid food related illnesses such as Salmonella. In total, there were 130 confirmed cases of Salmonella Reading in these provinces and territories: British Columbia (33), Alberta (44), Saskatchewan (8), Manitoba (25), Ontario (9), Quebec (2), New Brunswick (1), Prince Edward Island (1), Northwest Territories … [Read more...]
Top 10 Food Outbreaks of 2019: #8 Raw Chicken Salmonella Infantis
A year-long raw chicken Salmonella Infantis outbreak is the number 8 food poisoning outbreak of 2019, with 129 sick in 32 states. Twenty-five people were hospitalized, and one death in New York was reported. The case count by state in this raw chicken Salmonella Infantis outbreak is: Alabama (1), Arkansas (3), California (1), Colorado (1), Connecticut (3), Delaware (3), Florida (2), Georgia (2), Hawaii (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (2), Maine (1), Maryland (4), Massachusetts (17), Michigan (4), Minnesota (5), Missouri (3), North Carolina (7), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (9), New York (18), Ohio (8), Pennsylvania (13), Rhode Island (2), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (2), Virginia (2), Washington (2), and Wisconsin (1). Illnesses started in January, … [Read more...]
USDA Reiterates: Don’t Wash That Chicken!
The USDA is reiterating its advice about washing chicken: Don't do it! A new study found that people are risking illness when they wash or rinse poultry. Dr. Mindy Brashears, the USDA's Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety said, "Cooking and mealtime is a special occasion for all of us as we come together with our families and friends. However, the public health implications of these findings should be of concern to everyone. Even when consumers think they are effectively cleaning after washing poultry, this study shows that bacteria can easily spread to other surfaces and foods. The best practice is not to wash poultry." The observational study found how easily bacteria can be spread when surfaces are not effectively cleaned and sanitized. Rinsing poultry under running water … [Read more...]
Compliments Chicken Strips Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in Canada
Compliments chicken strips are being recalled in Canada because they are linked to a Salmonella outbreak in that country. The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of human illnesses and has identified this product as a source of illness. The outbreak investigation is ongoing and officials may name other products. The recalled product is Compliments brand Chicken Strips - Breaded Chicken Cutlets - Uncooked, sold in 907 gram packages. The code on the outer package is 2019 NO 24 and on the inner package it is 328MM. the UPC number on the product is 0 57742 33687 0. The chicken was sold nationwide until May 1, 2019. Some consumers may still have this product in their home freezers. Many frozen breaded chicken products on the market are raw, but they appear to be … [Read more...]
New Salmonella Outbreak in Canada Linked to Frozen Breaded Raw Chicken
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 … [Read more...]