-October 6, 2008
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently issued a warning that improperly cooked frozen chicken dinners have caused 32 Americans (in 12 different states) to experience salmonella poisoning.
This USDA warning is specifically geared towards frozen dinners in which raw chicken is covered to make it appear cooked when it is, in fact, not. Specifically, the salmonella warning has been extended to pre-browned or breaded chicken dinners, the most popular of which typically include:
• Chicken cordon bleu
• Chicken Kiev
• Stuffed chicken breasts
According to the USDA, those who suffered salmonella poisoning after eating such frozen dinners failed to comply with the dinners’ instructions. For example, even though the frozen dinners do not include microwave directions, individuals microwaved them anyways, resulting in undercooked chicken.
To properly prevent salmonella, raw chicken and chicken products must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165° F.
Causes of Salmonella Poisoning
Eating raw chicken is just one way of developing salmonella poisoning. In general, salmonella poisoning occurs when the common bacteria known as salmonellosis gets into a person’s intestinal tract. While salmonellosis is most commonly found in human or animal excrement, this bacterium may also reside in contaminated food, such as:
• Chicken and poultry products
• Eggs and other raw dairy products
• Frozen meats
• Ice
• Water
In some cases, people will experience salmonella poisoning after eating a contaminated product – however, this isn’t the only way to become infected. Other methods of transmission for the salmonella bacteria may include:
• Putting a contaminated substance into one’s mouth
• Touching contaminated reptiles (Roughly 90 percent of all reptiles are infected with active strains of salmonella.)
• Touching one’s mouth after having touched a contaminated product or animal
Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning
While over 2,000 strains of salmonella bacteria exist, most cases of salmonella poisoning are marked by the following symptoms:
• Achy muscles
• Chills
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
Depending on a person’s state of health (and the type of salmonella he contracts), symptoms will last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Because salmonella poisoning can be life threatening to those with impaired immune systems, it’s important to seek immediate medical treatment if salmonella poisoning is suspected.
(Source: CNN Health News, Mayo Clinic)
Have you been harmed by a contaminated food product or medication? If so, contact us today to talk to an experienced professional who will provide you with the legal support you need to pursue your legal claim.
