Butterball Recalls Over 14,000 Pounds of Ground Turkey
In a move that underscores the importance of food safety, Butterball, LLC is voluntarily recalling over 14,000 pounds of ground turkey due to potential contamination with Salmonella.
What Happened? The Key Details You Need to Know
The affected products were produced on September 11, 2023, and bear the establishment number "EST. 18199A" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The full list of recalled products and their package codes can be found on the USDA's website.
Consumers who have purchased these products are being urged not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Salmonella can cause serious infections, so individuals who experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after eating the recalled products should seek medical attention immediately.
Why Does This Matter? The Bigger Picture
This recall highlights the critical role that food safety regulations play in protecting consumers from harmful bacteria. Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning, and it can be particularly severe in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recall also serves as a reminder to shoppers to pay close attention to food safety notices and to always handle and cook meat properly. This includes washing your hands and surfaces thoroughly, cooking meat to the recommended internal temperature, and refrigerating or freezing meat within two hours of purchase.
Voices from the Scene – What Are People Saying?
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has urged consumers to take the recall seriously and to follow the recommended safety precautions.
"Food safety is our top priority," said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. "We urge consumers to dispose of the recalled products and take the necessary steps to protect their health."
What's Next? Future Implications and Takeaways
Butterball is cooperating with the FSIS investigation into the source of the contamination. The company has also taken steps to ensure that all potentially contaminated products have been removed from the market and that its production facilities are meeting all food safety standards.
Consumers can stay informed about the recall by visiting the USDA's website or by contacting the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST.