Organic Chicken Products Recalled Due to Low Levels of Thallium

Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc., a Peachtree Corners, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,363 pounds of grilled chicken products due to an unapproved substance -the product contains concentrations of thallium.   "The problem was discovered when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services tested retail packages of Nature Raised Farms Organic Gluten Free Grilled Chicken Strips produced by Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc. and found concentrations of thallium in the product. The concentration levels do not present an immediate health hazard; however, FSIS is recommending this Class II recall out of an abundance of caution because prolonged ingestion of contaminated product in sensitive populations could cause some health effects. FSIS is working with the involved parties to identify the source of the contamination and prevent any further product from going into commerce."

From Wikipdia, "Commercially, thallium is produced not from potassium ores, but as a byproduct from refining of heavy-metal sulfide ores.  Soluble thallium salts (many of which are nearly tasteless) are toxic, and they were historically used in rat poisons and insecticides. Use of these compounds has been restricted or banned in many countries, because of their nonselective toxicity. Thallium poisoning usually results in hair loss, although this characteristic symptom does not always surface. Because of its historic popularity as a murder weapon, thallium has gained notoriety as "the poisoner's poison" and "inheritance powder" (alongside arsenic)."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-105-2018-release
Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc., Recalls Poultry Products due to an Unapproved Substance 
Class II Recall 
05-2018 
Health Risk: Low 
Oct 26, 2018 


Congressional and Public Affairs   Mitch Adams   (202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2018 – Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc., a Peachtree Corners, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,363 pounds of grilled chicken products due to an unapproved substance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains concentrations of thallium.

The ready-to-eat (RTE) grilled chicken strip items were produced on June 20, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]
•8-oz. boxed packages of “NATURE RAISED Farms organic GLUTEN FREE GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST STRIPS” with a “Use By” date of June 20, 2019 and a lot number of “1718SUZ01”.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 1381” on the side panel of the box. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide. 

The problem was discovered when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services tested retail packages of Nature Raised Farms Organic Gluten Free Grilled Chicken Strips produced by Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc. and found concentrations of thallium in the product. The concentration levels do not present an immediate health hazard; however, FSIS is recommending this Class II recall out of an abundance of caution because prolonged ingestion of contaminated product in sensitive populations could cause some health effects. FSIS is working with the involved parties to identify the source of the contamination and prevent any further product from going into commerce.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. 

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Media with questions can contact Worth Sparkman, Public Relations Senior Manager, at 479-290-6358 or worth.sparkman@tyson.com. Consumers with questions can contact Tyson Consumer Relations at 1-888-747-7611.