Community Corner

Ground Turkey Recalled

Consumers are urged to check previously purchased ground turkey products in their homes. The meat has been recalled from grocery stores nationwide, including Ralphs, according to state health officials.

A  this year has resulted in a nationwide ground turkey recall, affecting several grocery stores, restaurants and now area homes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday released a report urging consumers to check their homes for recalled ground turkey products. 

The Arkansas-based firm Cargill, Inc. recalled about 36 million pounds of fresh and frozen ground turkey products Wednesday from various grocery stores, including , according to the California Department of Public Health.

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The meat was sold under the brand names Honeysuckle, Riverside, Kroger, Safeway, Giant Eagle, HEB, Aldi’s Fit & Active Fresh, Spartan and Shady Brook Farms, according to the state department.

Suspected contaminated products have "use by" dates from Feb. 20, 2011 to Aug. 23, 2011 (see accompanying recall sheet.)

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We have suspended ground turkey production at our Arkansas facility until the source [of salmonella] can be pinpointed and actions to address it are taken. Public health and the safety of consumers cannot be compromised," said Steve Willardsen, president of Cargill’s turkey processing business in a statement Wednesday. "We are closely examining every aspect of our production process and have identified enhancements to our procedures in our efforts to ensure safe food. Eliminating food borne illness is always our goal."

Health officials have linked the ground turkey at Cargill's plant to the outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg in 26 states across the country that has caused 77 reported illnesses and one death, which was in California's Sacramento County.

The salmonella strain is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics, according to the CDC. Symptoms of Salmonella Heidelberg include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea (sometimes vomiting), dehydration and fatigue.


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