CDC Investigation Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella

A CDC investigation notice regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-06-21/index.html

Key points:

• 17 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 6 states. Eight people were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
• Interviews with ill people and laboratory testing information show that raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken products are the likely source of this outbreak.
• These products are labeled raw but may not look raw. They may look cooked because they might be breaded or browned.
• People reported buying different brands of raw frozen stuffed chicken products.
• CDC is not recommending that people avoid eating raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken products. We advise that you handle and cook these products safely before eating.

What You Should Do:

• Carefully read the labels on raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken products and follow cooking instructions exactly as they are written.
• Look for words like “Raw” or “Uncooked” to know if the product is raw. The product may not look raw because it may be breaded or browned.
• Always use an oven to cook products to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check the center, the thickest part, and the surface of the product.
• Never use a microwave or an air fryer to cook raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken products. Microwaving or air frying will not always cook it thoroughly.
• Wash your hands and any surfaces and utensils used to prepare the product with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling it.

About Salmonella:

• Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
• The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
• In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
• Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

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