Monday, June 29, 2015

Scores sickened by raw chicken

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced it is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate salmonella food poisonings linked to raw chicken in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

There has been no recall posted on the CFIA website. Not a peep out of them.

The public health agency says there have been 44 cases of salmonella illness in four provinces – 28 in Ontario, 12 in Quebec, 12 in Nova Scotia, two in Newfoundland and two in Labrador. Twelve people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Individuals became sick between Feb. 7 and May 23, 2015. Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to frozen raw breaded chicken products has emerged as a source of illness.
The agency issued a statement warning that salmonella is commonly found in raw chicken and frozen raw breaded chicken products.

“The risk to Canadians is low, and illnesses can be avoided if safe food handling, preparation and cooking practices are followed when preparing these types of food products,” the statement urged, suggesting:  


  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw poultry products.
  • Use a separate plate, cutting board, and utensils when handling raw poultry products to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
  • Frozen raw breaded chicken products may appear to be pre-cooked or browned, but some contain raw chicken and should be handled and prepared no differently than raw poultry products.
  • Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry products. Cook all frozen, stuffed, breaded or raw poultry products to an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure they are safe to eat. Whole poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 82°C (180°F).
  • Due to uneven heating, microwave cooking of frozen raw breaded poultry products including chicken nuggets, strips or burgers is not recommended.
  •  Always follow package cooking instructions, including products labeled Uncooked, Cook and Serve, Ready to Cook, and Oven Ready.