In what experts are calling one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history, meat producer Cargill has recalled approximately 36 million pounds of ground turkey after more than 75 people reportedly contracted salmonella after consuming the affected products. In addition, the unsafe food is believed to be responsible for one death.
Although there are no reports of salmonella-related illnesses in New Jersey, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising consumers across the country to be on the lookout for recalled turkey products. The strain of salmonella has been found to be highly resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, which makes treating the ailment more difficult.
According to a Cargill representative, the outbreak is believed to have originated at a meat production plant in Springfield, Arkansas. The company has suspended all ground turkey production at that location until the source and cause of the salmonella contamination is known. Despite the plant closure, the USDA and CDC will reportedly continue to investigate the outbreak.
The voluntary recall affects large amounts of more than 35 different types of ground turkey produced at the Springfield plant between February and August. Some of the recalled products were sold under different brand names, such as Shady Brook Farms and Honeysuckle White. Cargill reports that all of the packages covered by the recall have the code “Est. P-963.”
If you have suffered injury as a result of a dangerous or defective food product, please contact Breslin & Breslin for a free meeting with one of our attorneys.
Source: CBS News, “Cargill recalls ground turkey over salmonella fears,” Ryan Jaslow, August 4, 2011
