Recalls Update - Friday, October 7, 2011 6:49 - 0 Comments

More Ground Turkey Recalled Because Of Salmonella

Cargill Inc. announced a second recall of ground turkey products last month after a test showed salmonella in a sample from the same Arkansas plant tied to a recall issued in August. The second recall is much smaller than the one the company issued in August for 36 million pounds of ground turkey. That recall followed a salmonella outbreak that federal health officials said had sickened 107 people in 31 states, killing one person.

At press time, no illnesses had been tied to the second recall, which was initiated after a sample from the company’s plant in Springdale, Ark., tested positive for salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. Cargill halted production of ground turkey products at the plant on August 2nd in anticipation of the recall announced the next day. Equipment was taken apart and steam-cleaned. Limited production resumed August 10th after the USDA approved additional anti-bacterial safety measures.

The sample that tested positive for salmonella was taken on August 24th, according to the USDA. It was the same strain of salmonella tied to the earlier illnesses. Cargill added two additional anti-bacterial washes to its processing process in Springdale after the first recall, according to the company. Ground turkey production at the Springdale plant was suspended again. The Minnesota-based company was looking at what other safety procedures might be needed. Production of other products, such as whole turkeys, continues. The second recall covers about 185,000 pounds of ground turkey products, including trays of ground meat, patties and chubs, the USDA said. The products were distributed nationwide under the Kroger, Fresh HEB and Cargill’s Honeysuckle White brands.

All ground turkey made at the Springdale plant has “P-963″ or “963″ on the package, in a USDA seal or perhaps on the cellophane. Consumers who bought products bearing that identification number can call 1-888-812-1646 for instructions on what to do. The recall covers products made on Aug. 23 and 24. Cargill also is recalling ground turkey made on Aug. 30 and 31 pending a positive match with a sample, the USDA said.