USDA Issues Alert for Cooked Diced Chicken Potentially Contaminated with Listeria After Company's Failure to Reprocess

USDA-FSIS is issuing a public health alert for approximately 130,860 pounds of frozen fully cooked, diced chicken products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  "The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection activities when inspection personnel observed products requiring recooking due to possible Lm contamination had been repackaged without being recooked. A subsequent FSIS investigation determined other affected product had been further distributed in commerce."

This serious case shows how a Corrective Action was not followed.  The product found to have potential Listeria contamination was supposed to be recooked according to the Corrective Action in order to eliminate any potential Listeria contamination. However, this product was  getting repacked without that process.  Further, as noted below, that product was going to local food banks, and with that, people considered high risk.

"The products bear establishment numbers "P-18237" or "P-45638" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed by Big Daddy Foods, Inc., a Houston, Texas firm. These items were further distributed to consumers at local food banks in Florida through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program in individual food boxes."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-cooked-diced-poultry-products-due-possible
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen, Cooked Diced Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
FSIS Announcement

May 24, 2021

Sandwich Companies Recall Premade Chicken Salad Sandwiches After Supplier of Cooked Chicken Finds Listeria Issue

A number of  companies that make and markets sandwiches are recalling their chicken salad sandwiches due to a Listeria contaminated ingredient.  Northern Tier Bakery of Saint Paul Park, Minnesota, Mrs. Stranttons's,  E.A. Sween,  Coborn's, Inc , Lipari Foods, and Grand Strand Sandwich  are voluntarily recalling chicken salad sandwiches after the cooked chicken supplier, Tip Top Poultry, Inc., a Rockmart, GA, establishment, informed these companies of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

"The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that multiple samples of product produced by Tip Top Poultry, Inc. confirmed positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes after being tested in Canada. The firm decided to recall all cooked, diced or shredded, RTE chicken products produced from January 21, 2019 through September 24, 2019 with product codes ranging from 10000 to 19999 and 70000 to 79999. Tip Top expanded the dates and the scope of the recall out of an abundance of caution."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-094-2019-release
Tip Top Poultry, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall
094-2019
Health Risk: High
Sep 28, 2019

GA Establishment Recalls RTE Diced Chicken Linked to Listeria Outbreak in Canada

Tip Top Poultry, Inc., a Rockmart, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 135,810 pounds of fully cooked  frozen, diced, and mechanically separated ready-to-eat chicken products after it was s discovered on August 17, 2019, by Canadian Food Inspection Agency that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The Canadian buyer recalled their Rosemount branded product on August 19th.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-085-2019-release
Tip Top Poultry, Inc. Recalls Fully Cooked Poultry Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination 
Class I Recall 
085-2019 
Health Risk:High 
Aug 20, 2019

Canada - Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frozen Cooked Diced Chicken, Seven Cases of Illness

Canadian authorities are investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to Rosemount brand cooked diced chicken. Rosemount cooked diced chicken was supplied to institutions (including cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes - higher risk populations).

"As of August 18, 2019, there have been 7 confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes illness in three provinces: British Columbia (1), Manitoba (1) and Ontario (5). Individuals became sick between November 2017 and June 2019. Six individuals have been hospitalized. Individuals who became ill are between 51 and 97 years of age. The majority of cases (86%) are female."

In November of 2017, there were 2 cases, and then starting in April of 2019 through June, there were 5 more cases.

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/public-health-notice-outbreak-of-listeria-infections-linked-to-rosemount-brand-cooked-diced-chicken-835486323.html
Public Health Notice - Outbreak of Listeria infections linked to Rosemount brand cooked diced chicken Français
News provided by
Public Health Agency of Canada
Aug 19, 2019, 12:27 ET

Canada - Warning of Risk Associated with Salmonella in Undercooked Raw Breaded Chicken Product

The Canadian Government issued a warning statement on breaded raw chicken products and the risk of Salmonella due to undercooking.  Over the past 16 months, there have been hundreds of cases of Salmonella infection despite ongoing efforts on education.

The issue is that the breaded chicken appears to be fully cooked and if one had to guess, people are not using a measuring device.  The reason it looks cooked is that with breaded product, the product is only par-cooked to set the coating.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is requiring industry to implement measures at the manufacturing/processing level to reduce Salmonella to below detectable amounts in frozen raw breaded chicken products that are packaged for retail sale.
Companies have these options (document below).

Option 1 - Include as part of the manufacture of the frozen raw breaded chicken products a cook process that has been validated to achieve a 7-log reduction in Salmonella. (But still list cooking instructions to handle any Listeria concern.

Option 2 - Implement a Salmonella testing program for the raw chicken mixture to demonstrate it has no detectable Salmonella.

Option 3 - Implement a Salmonella hold-and-test program for finished frozen raw breaded chicken products.

Option 4 - Include as part of the manufacture of the frozen raw breaded chicken products, a process or combination of processes that has been validated to achieve a 2-log reduction in Salmonella and implement a Salmonella sampling program for the raw chicken mixture.

From: Public Health Agency of Canada 
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2018/09/council-of-chief-medical-officers-of-health-concerned-about-the-risk-of-salmonella-illness-from-frozen-raw-breaded-chicken-products.html
Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health concerned about the risk of Salmonella illness from frozen raw breaded chicken products 
September 13, 2018 - Ottawa, ON - Government of Canada

Warning Issued for Raw Frozen Breaded Chicken Distributed by Food Pantry After Four Cases of Salmonella

Health officials in MN and WI issued warnings for frozen breaded chicken products distributed by a group that operates pop-up food pantries.  This comes after 4 people became infected with Salmonella.  The chicken is breaded, but not fully cooked.  Unfortunately, there were no cooking instructions, and as we know with frozen breaded chicken, people can assume that it is fully cooked.

Ruby's Pantry is a faith based charitable organization that distributes food in pop-up pantries in MN and WI.

CBS Minnesota
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/06/01/salmonella-infections-frozen-chicken-rubys-pantry/
Salmonella Infections Linked To Ruby’s Pantry Frozen Breaded Chicken
June 1, 2018 at 2:11 pmFiled Under:Chicken, Ruby's Pantry, Salmonella

Canada - Firm Recalls Raw Chicken Nuggets Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

A Canadian firm is recalling raw chicken nuggets after the product was linked to 30 cases of Salmonella in 4 different Canadian provinces.  Product had tested positive for the strain of Salmonella.

The issue with breaded products such as this may be that they appear to be fully cooked..  People may heat them but may not be diligent in getting product to the required temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) to provide sufficient lethality. 

Products like this are often par-cooked through frying in order to set the coating, but the heating time is short, and will not provide sufficient heat to get the internal temperature to a sufficient temperature to kill pathogens such as Salmonella.   Because the product is partially cooked, it can then appear to be fully cooked.  There have been numerous recalls for these types of products because of this same reason.

MarketsInsider
http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/public-health-notice-outbreak-of-salmonella-infections-linked-to-poultry-including-frozen-raw-breaded-chicken-products-1019778225
Public Health Notice - Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to poultry, including frozen raw breaded chicken products
PRESS RELEASE PR Newswire
Mar. 28, 2018, 08:25 PM

Canada - Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Raw Breaded Chicken

The Canadian Public Health Agency announced that there have been 30 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infection and this is being linked to raw breaded chicken breasts.  At this point, the brand name of the product has not been released.

CISION
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/public-health-notice---outbreak-of-salmonella-infections-linked-to-poultry-including-frozen-raw-breaded-chicken-products-677002393.html
Public Health Notice - Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to poultry, including frozen raw breaded chicken products   
News provided by Public Health Agency of Canada
Mar 15, 2018, 16:55 ET

RTE Chicken Patties Recalled for Foreign Matter, Rubber

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 101,310 pounds of ready-to-eat breaded chicken patties that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber.  According to the notice, "The problem was discovered after the firm received a customer complaint on Feb. 13, 2018. Pilgrim's Pride distributed the product to institutions, including schools. Although the product was sold through the USDA commodity program, the introduction of the foreign material was due to an equipment failure at the facility. "

That is a heck of a lot of chicken to be wasted due to a maintenance issue.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-011-2018-release
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall

011-2018
Health Risk: High 

Feb 16, 2018

Trader Joe's Chicken Salad Products Recalled After Complaints of Glass-like Foreign Material

Green Cusine, a CA establishment, issued a recall for 36,854 pounds of Trader Joe's chicken and turkey salad after the company received consumer complaints of glass shards / silica foreign material.

News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-125-2017-release
Green Cuisine Recalls Poultry Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 

125-2017
Health Risk: High 

 Nov 18, 2017

CDC MMWR - 2016 Outbreak of Campylobacter Linked to Undercooked Chicken Liver Mousse

In a 2016 case, 4 people became ill from Campylobacter after eating undercooked chicken liver mousse.  From the report, "During an inspection on July 15, the sous-chef solely responsible for preparing the chicken liver mousse demonstrated preparation to the CCPH food safety inspector, who observed that the sous-chef used the appearance of the livers alone to determine whether they were fully cooked. Final internal cook temperature of the largest liver measured by the inspector was <130°F (54°C), below the minimum 165°F (74°C) internal temperature deemed necessary by the Food and Drug Administration to eliminate food safety hazards"

Campylobacter is naturally found in chickens and is a risk for causing foodborne illness when there are cross contamination issues or undercooking.
CDC - MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6638a4.htm?s_cid=mm6638a4_e
Notes from the Field: Outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni Associated with Consuming Undercooked Chicken Liver Mousse — Clark County, Washington, 2016
Weekly / September 29, 2017 / 66(38);1027
Derel Glashower, MPH1; Jennifer Snyder1; Diane Welch, MS1; Shannon McCarthy1 (View author affiliations)
View suggested citation

Chicken Sashimi - Eating Raw Chicken is a Risk

Chicken sashimi is a raw chicken item being prepared by a few restaurants here and in Japan.  With chicken having a high prevalence of  Salmonella and Campylobacter, this product poses a high risk for foodborne illness, even if the surface is quickly heated.  

Buzz Feed
https://www.buzzfeed.com/michelleno/would-you-eat-chicken-sashimi?utm_term=.doj7ve8NN#.ayDka3Dpp
Food
Chicken Sashimi Exists, And Americans Are Freaking Out
Literally everyone on Twitter: "No."
Michelle No
BuzzFeed Staff

Why Is the UK Afraid of Importing US Chicken Meat?

There has been much scuttlebutt regarding the UK not wanting to allow importation of US chickens. While EU has banned US chickens since 1997, the issue has been raised as the UK plans to exit the EU.  Will the UK now allow the importation of US chickens?  Well, it seems that they have issue with the fact that the US uses a chlorine disinfection step to get rid of the pathogenic microbes.  But it is not the fact of chlorine that bothers our friends across the ocean, but it is the fact that we have to use chlorine in order to compensate for what they consider our less than clean birds.

According to UK food safety expert, Simon Dawson - there is no issue with chlorine, and that chlorine can be a useful tool in reducing harmful pathogens, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, that are naturally associated with the birds.  And there is no real evidence that our birds are not as clean, but rather is more precautionary...based on "no poultry welfare standards" in the US and "also been reports, including undercover video evidence by the Humane Society of the United States, of both inhumane and unsanitary practices being carried out".

So it has nothing to do with the fact we have awesome, inexpensive chicken that UK consumers would definitely prefer.  Hmm....I am going to Chick-fil-A for lunch.

The Conversation
http://theconversation.com/chlorine-washed-chicken-qanda-food-safety-expert-explains-why-us-poultry-is-banned-in-the-eu-81921

Chlorine-washed chicken Q&A: food safety expert explains why US poultry is banned in the EU
August 2, 2017 7.03am EDT

Salmonella Outbreak in Canada Associated with Raw Frozen Breaded Chicken

In Canada, there have been 7 cases of Salmonella linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products.

Over the past few years, we have seen Salmonella outbreaks associated with raw breaded chicken (1, 2, 3 ).  In fact, FSIS issued an alert after the the Aspen Foods Salmonella-in-breaded chicken outbreak.   As was pointed out each time, there are a few issues - 1) the product is frozen, so when the consumer begins with frozen product, they may not cook it long enough in order to achieve the proper internal temperature. Along with this, many people do not use a thermometer in order to ensure that temperature is met, and  2) breaded products often look like they are fully cooked. This is because the par-cooking that sets the breading gives it a finished cooked appearance.  

So even though companies may post cooking instructions on the package, there must be controls in place to limit, even to the point of elimination, the risk of Salmonella.  This includes controlling Salmonella in the process environment, preventing growth through tight temperature control, and par-frying it well.

National Post
http://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/7-sickened-by-salmonella-related-to-raw-frozen-breaded-chicken-in-4-provinces/wcm/b6d34f2d-8e03-4289-abac-17a8c7e84dc2
7 sickened by salmonella related to raw frozen breaded chicken in 4 provinces

Chicken Tenders Recalled After Complaints of Bone Fragments

A California company is recalling over 50,000 lbs of chicken bites because the firm received consumer complaints involving foreign objects in the form of bone.  There have been no injuries.

The primary target market for this product is children.



USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-078-2017-release
Overhill Farms, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 078-2017
Health Risk: High
Jun 24, 2017

Backyard Chicken Flocks Result in Numerous Salmonella Outbreaks

CDC reports that since the beginning of this year, there have been 8 Salmonella outbreaks related to backyard chickens. Within that, there have been 372 people infected and 71 of those cases resulting in hospitalization.

Poultry is a risk for Salmonella as well as Campylobacter.  People with backyard flocks, they are apt to treat the birds more as pets than farm animals, and with that, forget the need for proper personal hygiene including proper washing of hands, changing of clothes that are poop stained, and even removing shoes after stepping in bird dropping.  And even further, people increase the risk when they allow the birds to come inside their house or they snuggle with the birds.

CDC Zoontotic Diseases - Outbreak Advisory
https://www.cdc.gov/zoonotic/gi/outbreaks/livepoultry.html
Multistate Outbreaks of Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks, 2017

RTE Chicken Breasts Recalled After Complaints That Product May Be Undercooked

An Alabama company is recalling over 20 tongs of ready-to-eat chicken breasts after receiving complaints that the product appeared to be under-cooked.  The product is packed for and sold to foodservice establishments.  

While there have been no illnesses reported, the issue would be that if the product is truly undercooked, pathogens such as Salmonella or Campylobacter could be present..

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-037-2017-release
WFSP Foods LLC. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Products That May Be Undercooked
Class I Recall 037-2017
Health Risk: High Apr 24, 2017

OK Firm Recalls Nearly 1 Million Pounds of Breaded Chicken for Metal Complaints - Linked to Conveyor

A OK establishment is recalling close to one million pounds of breaded chicken products for the potential of metal contamination.  According to the notice: "The problem was discovered on March 21, 2017 after OK Foods Inc. received five consumer complaints stating that metal objects were found in the ready-to-eat chicken products and by FSIS inspection personnel during verification activities. After an internal investigation, the firm identified the affected product and determined that the objects in all the complaints came from metal conveyor belting." 

It would be interesting to know if the firm had a metal detector in place.  With a breaded chicken product, one would expect to see one.

USDA Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-030-2017-release
OK Food Inc. Recalls Breaded Chicken Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 030-2017
Health Risk: High 

Mar 23, 2017

RTE Chicken Product Recalled After Complaint of Undercooked Appearance

An Alabama company is recalling cooked RTE chicken products after a customer complaint was made that the product looked undercooked.  There have been no reported illnesses.

Was the product undercooked......hard to say.  Good process control to achieve proper lethality for all product along with verification and record keeping systems demonstrating proper cook would help prevent the need to recall product.

USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-017-2017-release
Wayne Farms, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due To Potential Processing Deviation
Class I Recall 017-2017
Health Risk: High Feb 28, 2017
Congressional and Public Affairs Allie Ryan (202) 720-9113 Press@fsis.usda.gov

Super Bowl, Chicken Wings and Salmonella

During Super Bowl Sunday, people will eat approximately 1.3 billion chicken wings.  Food service outlets such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Wing Zone will sell 2 to 4 times the amount they normally sell.  For many consumers watching the game at home, they will prepare their own wings, probably for the first time.

Just as we worry about turkey preparation at Thanksgiving, chicken wing preparation on Super Bowl Sunday becomes a concern for foodborne illness.  Why?

• Chicken parts have been found to contain more Salmonella than whole chickens.  While Salmonella is a concern, Campylobacter actually has a higher prevalence on chicken.
• Food service operations will be handling a lot more chicken wings than they normally handle. This may increase the risk of undercooking or cross contamination during handling especially at peak times (such as an hour or two before kickoff).
• People cooking chicken wings at home may also undercook them or contaminate them through mishandling.  This risk is increased when 1) people are doing it for the first time, 2) people are unskilled in the art of chicken wing preparation,  3) people are working with a larger quantity than they are normally use to handling, 4) people have enjoyed one-too-many adult beverages, and 5) a combination of these factors.

Now, we can't let the worry of bacterial contamination stop us from enjoying eating chicken wings during the Super Bowl and (although it would have been much more enjoyable if guys wearing the Black and Gold were playing), and we certainly don't want to have post-game worship sessions with the porcelain throne.  So here are some simple measures:

• Make sure you wings are cooked. When cooking them yourself, check with a thermometer to ensure all wings have reached an internal temperature of 165F or higher..  When purchasing, make sure there is no pink and that the meat is not rubbery.  Better overcooked than undercooked.
• If undercooked, do not eat.  The large amount of alcohol consumption will not save you and may reduce your ability to resist that savory, burning flavor.
• If you have not cooked wings before, consider buying fully cooked wings and then all you have to do is properly reheat.  
• If ordering wings at a foodservice establishment, whether ordering to eat there or to-go, order early. This will help you avoid the rush, and give you time to take corrective action if not properly cooked. 
• If making wings, cook them earlier in the day,....before your guests arrive, before you consume beverages, and while you can concentrate on what you are doing.  With this, be sure to check the temperature and use clean surfaces for the cooked wings.

Other things to remember when handling food...., Keep foods at the right temperature if you will be serving for a number of hours...keep hot foods hot (>140F) and cold foods cold (<40F).  Make sure leftovers get into the refrigerator.  Do not let foods, especially cooked meat, sit out at room temperature for more than a hour or two.  Clean as you go to help prevent cross contamination.

USDA News Release
https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2017/01/0011.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent
Beat Foodborne Illness this Super Bowl