Tips for Avoiding Salmonella as Current Outbreak Worsens, Spreads to Texas
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a recall for pre-made chicken salad after 65 people reported salmonella infections. A follow-up report suggests the number of infected has nearly tripled to 170, with cases now reported in Texas.
Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of salmonella infection.
About the Salmonella Outbreak and Chicken Salad Recall
According to Tech Times, the recall originally affected chicken salad produced by Triple T Specialty Meats, resulting in more than 20,000 pounds of potentially contaminated product being recalled. The recall was relatively limited to the Midwest as the chicken salad was only sold through Fareway grocery stores in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Unfortunately, the scope of the recall now seems much larger, with cases of salmonella being reported as far away as Texas. Since their original report, 105 more victims have been diagnosed with salmonella, and a total of 62 people have been hospitalized.
Additionally, the number of infected people is expected to increase even further. Customers are urged to throw away any chicken salad from Fareway grocery stores provided that the product was produced between January 2 and February 7. If you cannot tell or have doubts of when your chicken salad was produced, err on the side of caution and dispose of the product.
Quick Tips for Prevention Salmonella Infection
The following information was provided by the CDC:
- Be sure you cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs or unpasteurized milk.
- Wash your hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry. Delayed action increases the risk of cross contamination.
- Be especially careful when preparing around or serving to infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems as they are at increased risk for salmonella infection.
- Wash hands with soap after handling reptiles, birds, or baby chicks, and after contact with pet feces.
Salmonella Symptoms and Statistics
- According to the CDC, Salmonella causes in one million food borne illnesses every year, resulting in 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths.
- Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Symptoms appear 12 to 72 hours after infection and usually persist for four to seven days.
- Infections and illness tend to be more serious in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney
Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division has extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. We represent a multitude of people who are battling against manufacturers of defective drugs and/or products.
Your choice does matter. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries because of recalled foods or supplements, call Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We represent clients/victims all over the country. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
