Massive recall of frozen chicken products

Several salmonella cases have being recently reported in three states, triggering the recall of more than 3m pounds of frozen chicken products from Barber Foods and Aspen Foods.

The CDC reported the first cases of salmonella enteritidis in Minnesota, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. They were linked to Barber Foods frozen chicken products. Then three more cases were announced in Minnesota, caused by Aspen Foods similar products. The US Department of Agriculture has released Class I recalls, this classification meaning: "This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death."

The USDA Barber Foods recall affects 1,7m pounds of frozen chicken products, produced between February 17 and May 20, 2015 for Barber Foods, Loblaw or Meijer. The Aspen Foods recall concerns nearly 2m pounds of similar products made between April 15 and July 10, 2015, with expiry dates going from July 14 to October 10, 2016. Safeway, Kirkwood, Koch Foods and Rosebud Farm are amongst the various brands affected.

Salmonella enteritidis is the most common salmonella bacteria, eggs and poultry being its favorite source. If infected, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps will appear within 12 to 72 hours and won't usually last longer than a week. The recovery doesn't require antibiotics every time but kids and older people are more sensitive to that kind of infection and should be treated asap. If you find any of these products in your freezer, return them to where you bought them and get a full refund.

*Photo: US Department of Agriculture