Jennie O Ground Turkey Recall Issued Due to Salmonella

A Jennie O Ground Turkey recall announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Dec. 22, 2018, has affected over 164,000 pounds of product. The USDA announcement impacts packages that were made between Oct. 22 and 23 and have “use or freeze” dates of Nov. 12 and 13.

The current Jennie O Ground Turkey recall comes in the wake of a report from the Centers for Disease Control of 216 cases of salmonella poisoning in 38 states as well as the District of Columbia (as of December 18).

So far, the CDC reports that 84 people have been hospitalized and one has died as a result of contact with the tainted product, including raw turkey pet food.

About Salmonella

The cause of the current Jennie O Ground Turkey recall is actually a fairly common bacterial disease, caused by a strain of salmonella bacteria (generally, S. bongori or S. enterica). The resultant condition, also known as “salmonellosis”, is characterized by diarrhea, fever, severe abdominal cramps and vomiting. These symptoms generally appear within 12 to 36 hours after initial exposure; the illness can last as long as one week.

Most healthy people who contract salmonella poisoning recover without any long-term injuries or effects, although full recovery can take several months. However, it can be deadly to those whose immune systems have been compromised by chronic disease, age or other complications. According to Newsweek, over 50 people have fallen ill from salmonella since November.

According to the CDC, salmonella poisoning from tainted food affects approximately one million people in the U.S. annually. About 2.5 percent of victims require hospitalization; fewer than two percent of those who do wind up in the hospital die from salmonella.

Poultry and meat products are the most common sources of salmonella poisoning. The bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals, and are passed in fecal matter. Feces sometimes come into contact with meat and poultry during processing. Fish and other seafood may also contain salmonella if harvested from waters that have been contaminated.

Although poultry and meat are the most common sources of salmonella food poisoning, raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy products and even fruits and vegetables can be affected.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from salmonella poisoning is to cook meats, fish and poultry thoroughly.

What Products Are Affected by the Jennie O Ground Turkey Recall?

Several different Jennie O products have been listed in the recall. These include:

• 93% Lean, 1 lb., 2.5 lb. and 3 lb. packages
• 85% Lean/15% Fat, 3 lb. packages
• Taco and Italian Seasoned, 1 lb. packages
• “Stater Brothers 85% Lean/15% Fat All-Natural,” 3 lb. Packages

It bears mentioning that the current Jennie O Ground Turkey Recall is not the first time this company’s products have been linked to salmonella. Over 147,000 pounds of Jennie O products were recalled in late September, affecting packages issued on Sep. 11, with sell-by dates of Oct. 1 and 2. The recall covers multiple states.

While these products are no longer in stores, they may still be in consumers’ freezers.  Consumers are advised to check their meat and poultry and dispose of all products listed in the recall.

Join a Free Jennie-O Ground Turkey Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased Jennie-O ground turkey in a 1-pound package after Sept. 11, 2018 and became ill from Salmonella poisoning, you may qualify to join a Jennie-O ground turkey class action lawsuit investigation.

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