Butterball Recalls 48,000 Pounds of Turkey Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Butterball, LLC is recalling approximately 48,790 pounds of fresh and frozen whole turkey products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Schwarzengrund. The recall was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on December 8, 2022.
What Happened? The Key Details You Need to Know
The recalled products were produced between October 10, 2022, and December 5, 2022, and have been distributed nationwide. The affected products are:
- Fresh whole turkeys with a "Best By" date of October 11, 2023, through December 2, 2023
- Frozen whole turkeys with a "Best By" date of October 16, 2023, through December 23, 2023
The recall is a result of a routine FSIS inspection that found Salmonella Schwarzengrund on a turkey carcass. No confirmed reports of illnesses have been linked to the recalled products at this time.
Why Does This Matter? The Bigger Picture
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, Salmonella infection can lead to hospitalization and death.
The recall highlights the importance of safe food handling practices, including thoroughly cooking poultry products and avoiding cross-contamination.
Voices from the Scene – What Are People Saying?
"We are deeply committed to providing quality products to our customers," said Kevin Pederson, senior vice president of sales and export at Butterball, LLC. "We are taking this recall very seriously and are working with the USDA to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market."
FSIS is urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products and dispose of them immediately.
What’s Next? Future Implications and Takeaways
The FSIS is continuing to investigate the source of the contamination. The agency is also working with Butterball, LLC to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to contact Butterball, LLC at 1-800-643-9789 for a full refund.
This recall serves as a reminder to consumers to follow safe food handling practices, such as:
- Washing hands and surfaces thoroughly
- Cooking poultry to a safe internal temperature
- Avoiding cross-contamination
By following these simple steps, consumers can help to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.