Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal health officials have linked a salmonella outbreak that has affected at least 17 people to frozen breaded chicken products. In addition, officials noted six infections between February and May 2021.
"This public health alert is being issued to remind consumers about the proper handling and cooking of raw poultry products," they noted in a statement released on their website.
The CDC, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and state partners are investigating a Salmonella Enteritidis illness cluster with the CDC and state partners, they said in a statement.
"FSIS suspects that there may be a link between frozen, raw, breaded, and pre-browned stuffed chicken products and this illness cluster based on information gathered in conjunction with the CDC and state partners," they added, the Daily Voice reported.
According to the inquiry, salmonella cases are thought to be connected to brand frozen breaded chicken products. Kirkwood's frozen chicken cordon bleu, to be precise, CDC said. After testing five frozen breaded chicken products purchased from a grocery shop by one of the affected people, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture came to this conclusion after testing five frozen breaded chicken products purchased from a grocery shop.
It found the strain in two samples of Kirkwood frozen chicken cordon bleu. This brand is mostly sold at supermarkets and in groceries.
Officials noted the reported illnesses from Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, and New York. There's a probability that there are more than 17 cases linked to the same goods. Still, because many people don't seek medical help, it's impossible to know how many salmonella illnesses are linked to the outbreak.
There hasn't been an official recall yet. But a Delish report suggests disposing of Kirkwood brand chicken cordon bleu out without eating or consuming it.
About Salmonella infections
Salmonella-contaminated food does not usually smell or taste rotten. However, salmonella infection can make anyone sick. Because their immune systems are vulnerable, infants, children, seniors, and persons with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of serious illness, CDC said, according to Food Safety News.
Anyone who has acquired signs of Salmonella illness after eating raw, frozen chicken products should contact a doctor. Because special tests are required to detect salmonellosis, sick persons should inform their doctors about any probable exposure to Salmonella germs. Salmonella infection symptoms might be mistaken for those of other infections, leading to misdiagnosis.
Within 12 to 72 hours of ingesting contaminated food, Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, stomach pains, and fever. Healthy adults, on the other hand, are usually unwell for four to seven days. However, in extreme circumstances, diarrhea can be so severe that patients need to be admitted to the hospital.
People with weaker immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to get severe sickness and dangerous, often life-threatening illnesses.
Some people become infected yet do not become ill or show any symptoms. They may, however, continue to spread the infection to others.
Check out more news and information on Salmonella in Science Times.
