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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683
SALMONELLA CASES ASSOCIATED WITH STUFFED CHICKEN PRODUCTS
MADISON - State health officials are reminding
consumers to thoroughly cook raw chicken after four Wisconsin residents
were infected with a strain of Salmonella linked to raw, frozen,
stuffed chicken products. The Wisconsin cases are part of a multistate Salmonella
outbreak that has caused 32 illnesses in 12 states.
In response to the outbreak, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection
Service has alerted consumers that raw, frozen, breaded and pre-browned
stuffed chicken entrees such as chicken cordon blue and chicken kiev may
appear to be pre-cooked, but are not. These products are made from raw
chicken and should be prepared according to the label instructions to help
prevent illness.
Consumers should cook these products in a conventional oven following
package instructions, and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the
internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F before
consuming. The products should not be cooked in a microwave oven.
Since August, four Wisconsin residents have had laboratory-confirmed Salmonella
infections that match the DNA fingerprints of the national outbreak
strain. The four Wisconsin residents reported consuming frozen chicken
products. Health officials will continue to monitor for additional cases.
| Milwaukee County |
Adult male |
| Ozaukee County |
Adult male |
| Washington County |
School-age male
Adult female |
Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause
salmonellosis, which typically lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people infected
with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps
within 8 to 72 hours; some individuals may experience vomiting.
Since the organism is passed in the feces, and person-to-person spread
of the bacteria is possible, people should follow proper hand washing
methods. People should always carefully wash their hands with plenty of
soap and water after bowel movements, and before and after food
preparation. Parents should stress proper hand washing habits to their
children. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol hand
sanitizer.
For more information about salmonellosis:
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/factsheets
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Last Revised: October 24, 2008 |
