The Recall Desk
HighUSDA FSIS·pha-070115·Announced 2015-07-01

USDA Issues Alert for Raw Frozen Stuffed Chicken Due to Salmonella

USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for raw, frozen stuffed chicken products linked to Salmonella Enteritidis illness clusters in Minnesota.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a high-risk pathogen (Salmonella) with reported illness clusters, but no fatalities or FDA Class I classification are mentioned, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for high-risk pathogens with reported illness but no severe injury/death reports.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on July 1, 2015, regarding raw, frozen, breaded, and pre-browned stuffed chicken products. These items, often labeled as "chicken cordon bleu" or "chicken Kiev," are suspected to be associated with illnesses caused by Salmonella Enteritidis. Although the products appear ready-to-eat, they are raw and must be fully cooked before consumption.

FSIS is investigating two separate Salmonella Enteritidis illness clusters in Minnesota. The first cluster, notified on June 23, 2015, involved case-patients with illness onset dates ranging from May 9, 2015, to June 8, 2015. A second, separate cluster with a different strain was notified on June 24, 2015, with case-patients having illness onset dates from April 5, 2015, to June 8, 2015. FSIS suspects a link between the frozen stuffed chicken products and these clusters based on epidemiological evidence gathered with the Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture.

Consumers are advised to cook these raw poultry products to an internal temperature of 165°F using a food thermometer to ensure harmful bacteria are killed. FSIS recommends keeping raw poultry away from other foods, using separate cutting boards, and washing hands and surfaces thoroughly. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

The recalled product

Product
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen Raw Stuffed Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.