Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding the public of the importance of following proper food safety practices when handling and preparing uncooked meat products.
This reminder is in light of several Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recalls of various brands of frozen raw breaded chicken products due to possible Salmonella contamination.
When handling and preparing raw poultry, including frozen raw breaded chicken products, be sure to:
- Thoroughly wash your hands after handling food product.
- Clean and sanitize counter-tops and utensils immediately after preparing food.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked meats.
- Store and serve foods out of the danger zone temperatures (between 4°C and 60°C).
- Cook products thoroughly and ensure they reach an internal temperature higher than 74°C by checking with a probe thermometer.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis (Salmonella infection) include sudden stomach pain, accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, fever and sometimes vomiting. Dehydration, especially among infants, may be severe.
Although death is uncommon, the infection is more dangerous when it occurs in young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 36 hours after ingesting the bacteria, and illness may last from several days to several weeks.
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, consult with your health care provider.
Since July 2017, the CFIA has posted several food recall warnings linked to various brands of frozen raw breaded chicken products. These products include:
- Chicken nuggets
- Chicken strips
- Chicken burgers
- Popcorn chicken
- Chicken fries
The latest food recall and a full list of previously recalled products can be found online here.
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Throw them out or return them to the store where you bought them.
To be notified when future recalls are issued, sign up to the CFIA’s email notification service here.
