Chicken Patty Product Recalled After Complaints Received for Small Metal Pieces

Tyson Foods, Inc. a Berryville, Ark., establishment, is recalling approximately 29,819 pounds of fully cooked, breaded, shaped chicken patty product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal pieces.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it had received consumer complaints reporting small metal pieces in the chicken patty product. There has been one reported minor oral injury associated with consumption of this product. FSIS has received no additional reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/tyson-foods-inc--recalls-chicken-patty-product-due-possible-foreign-matter
Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Chicken Patty Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2023 – Tyson Foods, Inc. a Berryville, Ark., establishment, is recalling approximately 29,819 pounds of fully cooked, breaded, shaped chicken patty product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal pieces, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

CDC MMWR - Salmonella Outbreak with Non-RTE Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products

Commercially produced non-RTE frozen breaded stuffed chicken products, such as chicken cordon bleu, have been a repeated source of Salmonella infection.  "During 1998–2022, 11 Salmonella outbreaks linked to these products were reported; 57% of samples per outbreak from patient homes and retail stores yielded Salmonella."

Although packing has cooking instructions, people continue to prepare them, or handle them as if they are fully cooked items.  The reason is that they appear to be cooked, which they are in order to set the coating, but not to the point where the chicken itself if cooked to eliminate Salmonella contamination.

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7218a2.htm
Salmonella Associated with Not Ready-to-Eat Breaded, Stuffed Chicken Products — United States, 1998–2022
Weekly / May 5, 2023 / 72(18);484–487

Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Not ready-to-eat breaded, stuffed chicken products have repeatedly been a source of Salmonella outbreaks. On April 28, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed to declare Salmonella an adulterant in these products.

What is added by this report?
During 1998–2022, 11 Salmonella outbreaks linked to these products were reported; 57% of samples per outbreak from patient homes and retail stores yielded Salmonella. Outbreaks continue to occur, although a smaller percentage of patients reported cooking the product in a microwave after labeling changes.

What are the implications for public health practice?
Outbreaks have continued despite consumer-based interventions. Additional control measures for Salmonella contamination by manufacturers could reduce Salmonella-involved illnesses associated with these products.

USDA Released Guidance Document on RTE Fermented, Salt-Cured and Dried Products

USDA-FSIS issued a draft guidance document for the safe processing of RTE Meat products, specifically those that are fermented, salt-cured, and dried.   

FSIS-GD-2023-0002: FSIS Ready-to-Eat Fermented, Salt-Cured, and Dried Products Guideline (usda.gov)  https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/FSIS-GD-2023-0002.pdf

• Fermented Genoa salami, hard salami, pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, summer sausage, Abruzzese, Lebanon bologna, sopressata, thuringer, mettwurst, saucisson, chorizo, chourico, soudjouk (sujuk or soujouk), pickled pigs’ feet, bologna in vinegar, landjager 15 
• Salt-cured Prosciutto ham, Parma ham, Westphalian ham, Bayonne ham, Serrano ham, Black Forest ham, country ham, pancetta, coppa, capocolla, bresaola, beef prosciutto, basturma, duck prosciutto, linguica, salchichon 18 
• Dried dried beef, beef jerky1, beef nuggets, steak tenders, kippered beef, meat sticks, turkey jerky, tasajo, pemmican, pipi kaula, droëwors, biltong, jamon (jambon), longanisa, (some) saucisson, (some) chorizo, dried soup mixes/soup bases, freeze-dried entrees, fried pork skins/rinds/cracklings/chicharrones, lard

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/federal-register-rulemaking/federal-register-notices/availability-fsis-ready-eat-fermented
Availability of FSIS Ready-To-Eat Fermented, Salt-Cured, and Dried Products Guideline

DOCKET NUMBER
Docket No. FSIS-2022-0011
FEDERAL REGISTER STATUS
Notice of availability and request for comments
PROPOSED DATE
May 05, 2023
Summary
FSIS is announcing the availability of and requesting comments on a guidance document for small and very small meat and poultry establishments manufacturing ready-to-eat (RTE), shelf-stable, fermented, salt-cured, and dried meat and poultry products, that do not use cooking as the primary lethality step. This guideline addresses many commonly asked questions concerning the food safety hazards associated with these products and the key steps in each process needed to ensure safety. This guideline replaces and expands upon information previously found in other guidance documents addressing the safe production of RTE fermented meat and poultry products.

Vegan Drumsticks and Nuggets Recalled for Undeclared Egg Due to Wrong Ingredient Addition

Da Cheng Vegetarian Food Inc. of El Monte, CA, is expanding its recall of Da Cheng Vegan Drumsticks and Vegan Golden Nuggets because it was found to contain the undeclared allergen of egg.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the egg-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by manufacturer’s negligence on the production assembly line. Their employee used the wrong ingredient when mixing the materials together that caused this issue. The employee is no longer with the manufacturer’s company anymore.  One case of an allergic reaction to egg was reported.

Having the responsible employee leave does not mean the issue is fixed.  An Allergen Preventive Control must be implemented to prevent the issue from occurring.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/da-cheng-vegetarian-food-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-protein-vegan-drumsticks-expansion
Da Cheng Vegetarian Food Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg Protein in Vegan Drumsticks Expansion
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 19, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  October 22, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Egg Protein
Company Name:  Da Cheng Vegetarian Food Inc.
Brand Name:  Da Cheng
Product Description:  Vegan Drumsticks and Vegan Golden Nuggets

Will Non-Chicken Chicken Nuggets Win the Day?

Impossible Chicken Nuggets (chicken nuggets without the chicken) were launched this week. These plant based products were said to be preferred by consumers (7 out of 10).  According to an article in Food Dive, "The nuggets are soy-based with sunflower oil, and do not use any of Impossible Foods' plant-based heme — the company's signature ingredient that gives meat its distinctive taste. They also do not use titanium dioxide, a controversial and common whitening ingredient. Impossible Chicken Nuggets have 40% less saturated fat and 25% less sodium than animal-based chicken nuggets, the company says."

But of course, one can bread and fry most anything and make it taste good, including egg plant and squid.

Buisnesswire
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210907005327/en/Impossible-Foods-Surpasses-Animal-Meat-With-Impossible%E2%84%A2-Chicken-Nuggets-Made-From-Plants/
Impossible Foods Surpasses Animal Meat With Impossible™ Chicken Nuggets Made From Plants

Chicken Nuggets Recalled After Complaint for Rubber Piece in Product

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 59,800 pounds of fully cooked chicken breast nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically flexible rubber material.  The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint reporting rubber pieces in the chicken breast nuggets product.  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. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-014-2020-release
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Chicken Breast Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall
014-2020
Health Risk: Low
Jun 28, 2020

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending February 15

Incorrect packaging sleeve - Save A Lot is recalling 131 cases of Coburn Farms 4.5oz Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese, Cherry Juice- Infused Dried Cranberries & Roasted Sea Salted Cashews Snackers due to a labeling error leading to undeclared peanut allergens in Snackers packages manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., headquartered in Hiram, Ohio.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a limited number of the Snackers contain peanuts, which, while visible through the packaging and identified on the top label of the individual Snackers tray, were not declared on the ingredient statement. This was due to an incorrect selling unit cardboard sleeve label packaged on a limited number of the Snackers.

FDA finds milk in product, but not on label - Gourmet International and Butlers Chocolates UC are recalling approximately 1900 units of the IRISH WHISKEY DARK CHOCOLATE 3.5OZ TABLET BAR because it may contain undeclared milk.   The recall was initiated after FDA testing found high levels of milk present in the product and milk is not a listed ingredient of the product.

Almond in non-almond product, precautionary statement won't help this - Lotte Int’l America Corp is recalling its 11.85-ounce packages of “Chocopie” manufactured by Lotte Confectionery Co. Ltd. Korea because of findings of small amount of almond in the product and packaging shows the “manufactured in a facility that also processes peanut & almond”.  The company are certain that the problem has been corrected and no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.  LOTTE Int’l America Corp is working fully in partnership with FDA to fully investigate the matter and comply with all necessary recall procedures. The Company is also taking the necessary steps to address this issue and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this product issue.

Poor label design or misformulation? - McCormick & Company, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of Sunny Select Au Jus Gravy Mix 1 oz pouches due to an unlabeled dairy allergen.

Top label right, bottom label wrong - Missa Bay LLC of Swedesboro, N.J. is recalling 1,154 cases of Ready PacⓇ BistroⓇ Bowl Spinach Dijon Salad due to a labeling error leading to the potential for undeclared egg and wheat allergens on a limited number of the salads. The salads contain eggs and wheat, which, while visible through the packaging and identified on the top label, are not declared on the ingredient statement due to an incorrect bottom (ingredient) label on a limited number of the salads. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a limited number of the salad bowls containing the eggs and wheat ingredients were distributed in packaging with incorrect bottom (ingredient) labels that did not indicate the presence of the two allergens. The company has taken immediate action to identify the cause of the error and implement a permanent fix to ensure it does not happen in the future.

Incorrect labels on product at packaging - Corinthian Trading, Inc./DBA Corinthian Foods is recalling 5 lb. retail bags of Uncooked Sweet Potato Crusted Alaska Pollack Nuggets 1 oz. with date code CF35319 due to mislabeling. The bag contains Chicken Nuggets instead of Fish Nuggets. The problem was discovered when cases were opened to put our for retail sale, and the label on the retail package did not match the label and description of the master case. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused during the packaging process. The incorrect labels were applied to the product causing the product to be mislabeled.

Improper label design misses milk - Family Traditions Meat Company, an Ackley, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 270 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef stick products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered by a compliance officer with the Iowa Department of Agriculture during in-commerce surveillance activities at a retail store.

Canada - Recall of Eclairs for Salmonella and Smoked Salmon for Listeria

Associated Grocers is recalling certain Celebrate brand frozen profiteroles and eclairs from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.  This recall was triggered by findings from an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak

 Delta Pacific Seafood Ltd. is recalling Western Family brand Original Wild Sockeye Smoked Salmon Nuggets from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  This recall was triggered by the company [Internal testing?]

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2019-07-25/eng/1564102652457/1564102654776
Food Recall Warning - Certain Celebrate brand frozen profiteroles and eclairs recalled due to Salmonella

Two Recalls Issued for Foreign Material - Sausage Product and Chicken Product

Two companies issued recalls for foreign material.

Johnsonville, LLC., a Sheboygan Falls, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 95,393 pounds of its ready-to-eat jalapeño cheddar smoked sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically hard green plastic.  The problem was discovered when the company notified FSIS that they received a consumer complaint regarding green hard plastic in the product.

Perdue Foods LLC., a Bridgewater, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 31,703 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of bone material.  The problem was discovered after FSIS and the company received consumer complaints.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-063-2019-release
Johnsonville, LLC. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage Links Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I
Recall  063-2019 
Health Risk: High 
May 31, 2019 

Topics in Supply and Demand - Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Strips, Bananas and Bug Flour

Trend in vegetable farming - there is a decrease in acreage planted for  sweet corn, green beans, peas and potatoes, with an increase in sweet potatoes and leafy greens such as spinach, kale and romaine lettuce.  

Chicken strips gaining on chicken nuggets - While more chicken nuggets are sold compared to chicken strips, chicken strips sales have increased against a decline in chicken nuggets.

Bananas are on the ropes, can CRISPR save them - In case you missed it, a virus is likely to make America's favorite fruit, the banana, extinct.  The hope is that scientist can modify the genetic makeup of the virus to make it resistant...otherwise, there will be no bananas, no bananas someday too soon.

Bugs as ingredients, "There is an increasing range of insect-based products, such as whole/flour, snacks, health bars, pasta, pasta sauce and burgers. Edible insects are promoted as a sustainable food alternative. It is also claimed there are numerous health benefits from eating bugs and insects."  But what strategy do purveyors take in identifying their product to attract customers?

Washington Post

Business

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/04/20/sweet-corn-out-sweet-potatoes-data-shows-fundamental-shifts-american-farming/?utm_term=.70dfc8fca246

Sweet corn out, sweet potatoes in: Data shows fundamental shifts in American farming

By Laura Reiley and Andrew Van Dam

April 20

USDA Issuing Guidelines to Increase Attention to Foreign Material Complaints

Over the past few years, food companies, specifically meat and poultry processors, have issued a large number of recalls related to foreign objects.  Now USDA is issuing guidelines for food companies to respond more aggressively with foreign material complaints.  The USDA wants "food makers to start internal investigations when they receive customer complaints and to notify the government within 24 hours if contaminated products are in the marketplace".

Are foreign material issues an increasing issue?  I would argue that it is not.   Certainly the visibility of these issues is new.  Within the past few years, the Reportable Food Registry and Consumer Complaint portals were introduced and the use has increased.  So while in the past, consumer complaints for foreign materials were received by companies and handled internally without  much federal intervention.  Recalls were issued for serious foreign material issues.  What has changed isn't as much there are more foreign material issues, but USDA is paying close attention.  And much of this started as consumers were able to complain directly to USDA, and with that, inspectors began paying more attention to foreign material issues.  As issues were seen within the complaint records, more recalls were issued.

 Is a more aggressive response prudent? Not being involved directly in these investigations, it is difficult to know exactly.  From the recall notices, it appears that many recalls are issued after one complaint.  But what did the investigation show?   It is important that complaints are well investigated before wasting resources on a recall.  I have seen where complaints were made by consumers in order to get a replacement product (free product).  There were other cases where the consumer improperly cut the package with a part of that package unknowingly falling into the product only to be viewed by the consumer as a foreign object.  People have assumed the food was a source of a foreign object when that food was used in a recipe. 

Perhaps some of us come from a different era that when we found a piece of plastic in a food item, we accepted that as 'something that can happen', and threw the piece of plastic out.  Not saying that is right and that food companies should do a better job, but if no injury than no foul.

We are already seeing people pay less heed to recalls.  As we add more and more recalls to the weekly list, it is bound to increase the consumer ambivalence.  So at the very least, time should be allowed for an investigation and companies should be allowed input on the determination of whether the recall is necessitated.  In the end, they will pay for the real issues.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/new-food-safety-guidelines-expected-after-spike-meat-poultry-recalls-n979161
New food safety guidelines expected after spike in meat and poultry recalls
More food prepared by machines contributes to more parts breaking off and contaminating food, consumer advocates say.
March 4, 2019, 5:53 PM EST
By Reuters

This Week in Mislabeled Product for Week Ending February 2, 2019

Wrong Label with Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Labeled  as Chile Relleno - Taylor Farms TX, Inc., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 2,100 pounds of chicken products incorrectly labeled as “Chile Relleno” products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain wheat which is not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered on Feb. 1, 2019 when the firm discovered that a label for “Chile Relleno” was incorrectly applied to some of its USDA’s amenable “HEB Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Alfredo & Chicken” products.

Incorrect Back Label - Perdue Foods, LLC, a Bridgewater, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 16,011 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken nugget products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain milk, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when a retail store notified the company of an incorrect label. The establishment investigated and determined that the incorrect back label was applied to the product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-011-2019-release
Taylor Farms TX, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergens 
Class II Recall 
011-2019 
Health Risk: Low 
Feb 2, 2019 

Chicken Nuggets Recalled After Complaints of Contamination Due to Rubber Pieces

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Sedalia, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 36,420 pounds of chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber.  The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of extraneous material in purchased Panko Chicken Nugget products.  There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-009-2019-release
Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall
009-2019
Health Risk: High
Jan 29, 2019

Canada - Another Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Uncooked Breaded Chicken

In Canada, there have been a series of Salmonella outbreaks related to raw breaded chicken.  This week, Canadian officials announced another outbreak where 54 people have become infected.  The identified product, "Crisp & Delicious Chicken Breast Nuggets", have been recalled. 
The package clearly lists safety handling instructions and the fact that the product is uncooked.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2018/outbreaks-salmonella-infections-linked-raw-chicken-including-frozen-raw-breaded-chicken-products.html
Public Health Notice - Outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to raw chicken, including frozen raw breaded chicken products

Are Meat Alternatives in Your Future?

While meat consumption worldwide continues to increase, there are many Americans who have reduced their consumption of meat and those who have eliminated meat from their diet.  With this, there is a push to meat alternatives -

1. Plant based - those derived from plant based products including "Beyond Burger (made of pea protein, canola oil and coconut fat, colored with beets) and the Impossible Burger (soy protein, coconut oil and its central meat-like ingredient soy leghemoglobin, or “heme,” produced with a genetically modified yeast). The other variety is cultured meats, derived from extracted animal cells and cultivated into products that manufacturers claim are virtually identical to meat from slaughtered animals."
2. Animal cultured meats - derived from extracted animal cells and cultivated into products that manufacturers claim are virtually identical to meat from slaughtered animals. Animal cell culture "refers to the process by which cells are grown in a controlled artificial environment.  Cells can be maintained in vitro outside of their original body by this process which is quite simple compared to organ and tissue culture."

While plant based meats are already being sold, animal cell culture has number of hurdles before it will be available.  First is the regulatory hurdle - FDA and USDA must determine the potential hazards, oversight considerations, and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry tissue.  Then there is the cost associated with commercialization.   If you have done cell culture work you know that it is not easy.....it is not like growing bacteria or yeasts.  Conditions must be more exact and controlled (proper nutrients, gases, etc.  Contamination is a huge issue.)  Scaling up these processes will take a lot of investment, but it seems that there are a lot of people lining up to invest.

What do you think?  Are you willing to eat meat where growth started on a plate. For me, between the two, I have to go with the plant based items.  Heck, just throw a good marinara sauce on soy meatball filled with onion and garlic rather than some petri-animal tissue thing.

Bloomsberg Businessweek
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-25/we-ll-always-eat-meat-why-more-of-it-won-t-be-meat-quicktake
We’ll Always Eat Meat. But More of It Will Be ‘Meat’
By
Deena Shanker  and  Lydia Mulvany
‎January‎ ‎25‎, ‎2019‎ ‎12‎:‎00‎ ‎AM

Canada - Smoked Salmon Recalled After Positive Listeria Testing by CFIA

A Canadian seafood company is recalling certain brands of smoked salmon, Salmon Village brand Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon Nuggets, from the marketplace after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) testing found Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

With smoked salmon, Listeria contamination is a potential risk in post process handling and processing, especially dicing or slicing operations.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2019-01-17/eng/1547779415158/1547779417014
Food Recall Warning - Certain Salmon Village brand Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon Nuggets recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Recall date:January 17, 2019 
Reason for recall:Microbiological - Listeria 
Hazard classification:Class 1 
Company / Firm:Delta Pacific Seafoods 
Distribution: Alberta , British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Extent of the distribution:Retail   

Consumer Complaints for Wood Pieces In Chicken Nuggets Triggers Recall

Perdue Foods, LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 68,244 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically wood.  The problem was discovered when the firm received three consumer complaints that wood was found in the product. A complaint was also reported to FSIS’ consumer complaint monitoring system. FSIS was notified by the firm on Jan. 17, 2019.

Here is another example of the impact of consumer complaints going into the federal agency's consumer complaint portal.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-002-2019-release
Perdue Foods LLC Recalls Simplysmart Organics Gluten Free Chicken Nugget Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 
Class I Recall
002-2019
Health Risk: High
Jan 17, 2019

Canada - Breaded Chicken Burgers Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

In Canada, Sofina Foods is recalling breaded chicken burgers after the product was linked to 25 cases of Salmonella infection.  There were two hospitalizations.  This is a uncooked product, stated clearly on the label, and has cooking instructions on the back (cook to 165F / 74C).

According to the Canadian Public Health Release (below), there have been 14 outbreaks associated with raw chicken, including frozen raw breaded chicken products with 474 cases and 90 hospitalizations.

It would be interesting to know to what degree do people verify cooking temperature or cross contamination.  A good guess would be under-cooking, especially an issue when starting with frozen product.

http://inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2018-10-26/eng/1540600587248/1540600589249
Food Recall Warning - Janes brand Pub Style Chicken Burgers recalled due to Salmonella
Recall date:October 26, 2018
Reason for recall:Microbiological - Salmonella 
Hazard classification:Class 1 
Company / Firm:Sofina Foods Inc. 
Distribution:National
Extent of the distribution:Retail 
Reference number:12567

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

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