The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IOur severity:CriticalUSDA FSIS·001-2014·Announced 2014-01-10

Tyson Recalls Mechanically Separated Chicken Due To Salmonella Heidelberg Contamination

Tyson Foods is recalling 33,840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken products due to possible Salmonella Heidelberg contamination linked to a cluster of illnesses.

The agency’s classification

USDA FSIS: Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source metadata explicitly classifies the recall as 'High - Class I' (USDA Class I), which mandates a severity score of 5 according to the rubric. Additionally, the recall is linked to a cluster of illnesses with reported hospitalizations.

Plain-English summary

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Sedalia, Missouri establishment, is recalling approximately 33,840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken products that may be contaminated with a Salmonella Heidelberg strain. The affected products were produced on October 11, 2013, and are sold in 40-lb. cases containing four 10-lb. chubs. These products bear the establishment number P-135556 inside the USDA mark of inspection with case code 2843SDL1412 18.

The recall was initiated after the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was notified of a Salmonella Heidelberg cluster of illnesses on December 12, 2013. Working with the Tennessee Department of Health, FSIS determined a link between the Tyson products and illnesses at a Tennessee correctional facility. Seven case-patients were identified, with two resulting in hospitalization. The products were shipped for institutional use only nationwide and are not available for consumer purchase in retail stores.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. FSIS advises consumers to safely prepare raw meat products and cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165 °F. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

The recalled product

Product
Missouri Firm Recalls Mechanically Separated Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella Heidelberg Contamination
Brand
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Manufacturer
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Category
Food — Poultry
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · Tyson Foods, Inc.

Same manufacturer · Tyson Foods, Inc.

See all →

Same hazard · salmonella

See all →

Similar recalls