Chicken Recall 2021: 28 Sick In Multistate Salmonella Outbreak, 59K Pounds Of Poultry Products Recalled

Following a multistate investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into a Salmonella outbreak, Serenade Foods has recalled nearly 60,000 pounds of chicken products that may be contaminated with the foodborne bacterium.

The recall affects frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products produced from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25. The recalled chicken products were sold under the Dutch Farms, Milford Valley, and Kirkwood brands.

The recall includes:

• 5-ounce individually plastic-wrapped packages of “Dutch Farms Chicken with Broccoli & Cheese” with a lot code of BR 1055 and a best if used by date of Feb. 24, 2023.
• 5-ounce individually plastic-wrapped packages of “Milford Valley Chicken with Broccoli & Cheese” with a lot code of BR 1055 and a best if used by date of Feb. 24, 2023.
• 10-ounce boxes of two individually plastic-wrapped packages of “Milford Valley Chicken Cordon Bleu” with a lot code of CB 1055 and a best if used by date of Feb 24 2023.
• 5-ounce individually plastic-wrapped packages of “Kirkwood Raw Stuffed Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese” with a lot code of BR 1055 and best if used by date of Feb. 24, 2023.
• 5-ounce individually plastic-wrapped packages of “Kirkwood Raw Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu” with a lot code of CB 1056 and best if used by date of Feb. 25, 2023.

Labels of the recalled chicken products can be viewed here.

The potentially contaminated chicken also has the establishment number P-2375 inside the USDA mark of inspection. The chicken was shipped to distributors nationwide.

The FSIS is urging consumers to check their freezers for the recalled chicken products. The affected chicken should not be consumed. It should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase.

Questions about the recall can be directed to the Serenade Foods Hotline at 1-866-873-7589.

The CDC investigation revealed that 28 people became ill from Salmonella linked to Serenade Foods’ chicken products. A total of 11 people were hospitalized from the potential contamination.

The Salmonella outbreak has been investigated in eight states – Nevada, Arizona, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Connecticut – to date.

The CDC said on its website, “ The outbreak strain of Salmonella was found in unopened packages of raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken that were collected from a sick person’s home. ”

The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is working in connection with the CDC on the investigation into the Salmonella outbreak and the possible link to Serenade Food’s chicken products.

The FSIS issued an initial warning about the stuffed chicken products and the potential for Salmonella contamination on June 2.

Salmonella is one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses that can cause symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. Symptoms typically last four to seven days, with most people recovering without treatment.

In some cases, people do need to be hospitalized if their diarrhea is severe. Elderly adults, infants, and those with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to severe Salmonella illness.

If you experience symptoms of Salmonella illnesses, contact a healthcare provider for treatment.

The CDC and FSIS remind consumers to cook raw chicken to a temperature of 165° F to ensure that harmful bacteria are killed. The agencies also said to wash hands before and after handling raw chicken products as well as all surfaces that come in contact with the poultry.