The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released a report on the 2012 - 2013 Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to chicken produced by Foster Farms. A total of 134 people were infected with the outbreak strain of the bacteria in 13 states; 33 people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Most of the Salmonella cases were reported from four states in the Pacific Northwest: Washington (57), Oregon (40), Alaska (13), and California (11). Additional cases were reported in Utah (3), Idaho (2), Montana (2), Alabama (1), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), New York (1), Hawaii (1), and Massachusetts (1). Illness onset dates ranged from June 4, 2012 to April 16, 2013. The outbreak appears to be over, based on the 5-year baseline of the expected number of cases … [Read more...]
Foster Farms: You Know That Chicken Has Poop Germs On it, Right?
Hey, it happens. During slaughter, poop germs can make their way onto the chicken meat destined for the grocery store, that’s why it’s the consumer’s responsibility to handle and cook it with care. That was the gist of Foster Farms’ response to the Oregon Health Authority’s mid-February announcement linking the company to a Salmonella outbreak. “There is no recall in effect for any brand of chicken related to the Oregon Health Authority announcement as it is widely known that all raw chicken must be responsibly handled and properly prepared to ensure safety and quality. All raw chicken, like all raw meats, can contain bacteria that can be harmful to human health. For this reason, all raw chicken must be fully cooked to ensure safety and quality. Bacteria on food, including salmonella, … [Read more...]
Foster Farms Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 128 in 13 States
A Salmonella outbreak linked to chicken produced by Foster Farms has sickened 128 people in 13 states, according to the latest information from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of the cases are in Washington (56) and Oregon (39), a total of 32 people have been hospitalized. Health officials in Oregon and Washington have identified Foster Farms brand chicken as the most likely source of the 95 infections in those states. The company has not issued a recall. Salmonella can cause serious illness. Symptoms of an infection, called salmonellosis, include fever abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which usually develop 12 to 72 hours after infection and last four to seven days. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can cause death unless the person is treated … [Read more...]
CDC Names Only 2 of 12 States In Chicken Salmonella Outbreak
On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a 12-state Salmonella outbreak linked to tainted chicken produced by Foster Farms Inc, based in Livingston, Calif. Most of the 124 illnesses occurred in Oregon and Washington state which have a combined total of 94 cases. The 30 remaining cases were in 10 states that the agency did not name saying, “At this time, CDC is not releasing the names of the other states until it is determined how these illnesses are linked to this outbreak.” The CDC generally releases the names of all states included in a multi-state outbreak. It's unclear why the agency has chosen not to do so in this instance or why the announcement came so late. Health officials have known about the outbreak, which began in June, for months. They … [Read more...]
Salmonella Outbreak: 124 Sick But Foster Farms Says No Recall
On Thursday, a 12-state Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 124 people over the last eight months was announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although health officials in Washington and Oregon have linked the outbreak to chicken produced by Foster Farms of Livingston, Calif., the company has declined to issue a recall, issuing instead a statement telling consumers to take care when preparing chicken. "There is no recall in effect for any brand of chicken related to the Oregon Health Authority announcement as it is widely known that all raw chicken must be responsibly handled and properly prepared to ensure safety and quality. All raw chicken, like all raw meats, can contain bacteria that can be harmful to human health. For this reason, all raw chicken must … [Read more...]
