April 10, 2014 — An outbreak of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella food poisoning linked to Foster Farms chicken has sickened 524 people in 25 states and has been ongoing for more than a year, according to an outbreak investigation update from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Foster Farms has not recalled any chicken and federal health officials have not requested one. No federal regulations require chicken to be free of Salmonella. Instead, safety authorities recommend that consumers handle chicken carefully, avoid cross-contaminating surfaces and utensils, and heat chicken meat to at least 165ºF.
The CDC has identified seven strains of Salmonella Heidelberg, of which about 62% are resistant to at least one commonly-prescribed antibiotic. Bloodstream infections caused by food poisoning are not usually treated with these antibiotics, but resistance increases the risk of being hospitalized. About 37% of victims have been hospitalized.
The outbreak began in March 2013. Over 86% of people interviewed said they ate chicken at home in the week before getting sick. The CDC thought the outbreak was over in January. However, 43 new illnesses have been reported since March 3, 2014 in five states: Arizona (2), California (34), Michigan (1), Oregon (3), Texas (2), and Washington (1).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) briefly shut down operations at at Foster Farms poultry plant in California linked to the Salmonella outbreak after discovering a cockroach infestation. Inspectors reported seeing cockroaches on the processing line and in plastic tubs that come in contact with chicken parts.
Do I have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Foster Farms chicken Salmonella induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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