(CNN ) Butterball is recalling 39 tons of ground turkey products due to potential salmonella contamination, the North Carolina-based company said in a statement Wednesday. Eating or handling contaminated food can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses.
The products were linked four illnesses at a single residential facility in Wisconsin and one illness in Minnesota, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The ground turkey samples in all cases in both states tested positive for salmonella Schwarzengrund, a specific strain of the bacteria, and are closely related genetically. They are not related to a previous multistate salmonella outbreak linked to turkey products.
Butterball is working with the USDA and state health departments to encourage people to check their freezers for any of these products and to dispose of them.
It is important to follow safe handling and cooking instructions when serving turkey. Always wash your hands, cooking utensils and surfaces thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination with other foods. The USDA recommends that you cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, as measured by a food thermometer. And, to prevent food safety problems, refrigerate promptly.
Impacted products will be dated July 26, 2018, and bear the establishment number “EST. P-7345” inside the USDA mark of inspection, while carrying these UPC code/batch codes:
Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural 85% Lean / 15% Fat, Tray Pack 16-ounce UPC 22655-71546;
Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural 93% Lean / 7% Fat, Tray Pack 16-ounce UPC 22655-71561;
Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey 85% Lean / 15% Fat, Tray Pack 48-ounce UPC 22655-71555;
Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural 85% Lean / 15% Fat, Tray Pack 48-ounce UPC 22655-71557;
Kroger Fresh Ground Turkey 85% Lean / 15% Fat, Tray Pack 48-ounce UPC 111141097993;
Food Lion 15% Fat Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings, Tray Pack 48-ounce UPC 3582609294;
Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural 93% Lean / 7% Fat, Tray Pack 48-ounce UPC 22655-71556;
Butterball All Natural Ground Turkey 85% Lean / 15% Fat, Tray Pack 16-ounce UPC 22655-71547.
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