CDC Issues Public Health Statement On Ground Turkey

A Public Health Statement has been issued for ground turkey products - sold under a variety of brand names.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the ground turkey products have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has caused a variety of hospitalizations and illness reports. Due to the outbreak, the CDC is urging consumers to check their freezers.

An active investigation is underway to determine the scope of the problem - however a recall is not being issued.  Here's why:  All of the ground turkey that has been linked to the salmonella outbreak is no longer on store shelves - because it's way beyond the "best by" dates.  However, due to the nature of how consumers buy and use a product like ground turkey, there is a legitimate concern that the food containers are tucked away for future use in the freezers of their buyer and the customer may not be aware that there is a problem.

Currently, the CDC is reporting that the salmonella outbreak has caused 28 illnesses and 2 hospitalizations across 12 states.  No deaths have been reported.

Here are the specific brand names and packaging differentials related to the ground turkey Public Health Statement:

• Nature's Promise (94% lean 6% fat) - 1 pound packages with dates 1/1, 1/3, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10
• Wegman (94% lean 6% fat) - 1 pound and 3 pound packages with dates 1/3, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10
• Plainville Farms (93% lean 7% fat) - 1 pound packages with dates 1/10

The CDC reports that each of these packaged products bear the establishment number "P-244" inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture's mark of inspection.  The ground turkey was made on December 18 through December 29, 2020 and were distributed nationwide.

Customers are urged to check their freezers for the ground turkey.  If you discover that you have the product in your possession, the CDC requests that you throw them away or return the product to the store from which you purchased it.

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Symptoms for salmonella to watch for - include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.  Most symptoms start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.  Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.  However, salmonella can be more of a serious concern for people younger than 5 years of age, people 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems.