Jennie O Turkey Salmonella Outbreak Leads to Massive Recall

Jennie O, a division of the Minnesota-based food corporation Hormel, has expanded a recall of ground turkey products initially reported in November.

The latest announcement on Dec. 21 adds 164,210 pounds of turkey to the Jennie O ground turkey salmonella outbreak recall.

As of Dec. 26, more than 300,000 pounds of ground turkey have been recalled due to suspected salmonella contamination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the turkey salmonella outbreak has already sickened 216 people. Of those, 84 people have been hospitalized after their consumption of the contaminated meat, and one person has died.

Unusually for food-borne illnesses, this outbreak is not geographically contained. People in 38 states have been affected, including Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, California, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The ground turkey products included in the recalls come from locations in Faribault, Minn., and Barron, Wis. Many varieties of ground turkey products are named in the salmonella recalls, including:

• 1-pound packages of Jennie-O Ground Turkey, 93% Lean with use by or freeze by date of 11/12/18.
• 1-pound packages of Jennie-O Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey with use by or freeze by date of 11/12/18.
• 1-pound packages of Jennie-O Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey with use by or freeze by date of 11/12/18.
• 2.5-pound packages of Jennie-O Ground Turkey, 93% Lean with use by or freeze by date of 11/13/18.
• 3-lb. packages of Stater Bros. 85% lean Ground Turkey with a use by or freeze by date of 11/12/18.
• 3-pound packages of Jennie-O Ground Turkey, 93% Lean with use by or freeze by dates of 11/12/18 and 11/13/18.
• 3-pound packages of Jennie-O Ground Turkey, 85% Lean with use by or freeze by date of 11/13/18.

All of the ground turkey packages included in the turkey salmonella outbreak recall have “EST P-579” stamped along with the USDA inspection mark.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a common bacterial food-borne illness. The bacteria can be present in raw meat and poultry. Eating raw or undercooked meat and poultry may lead to the development of the illness. Cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees will kill the bacteria and make it safe to consume. Washing hands and cutting boards after exposure to raw meat is also important to prevent ingestion of the bacteria.Common symptoms of salmonella include fever, abdominal cramps, and persistent diarrhea. Although most people recover within four to seven days without medical intervention, older adults, infants, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop complications and require hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that anyone who has the products named in the Jennie O salmonella turkey outbreak recall in their fridge or freezer should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

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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