October 27, 2014

Pennsylvania Firm Recalls Chicken Products Due to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Contamination

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services received information regarding a recall of gluten free breaded chicken products that may be contaminated with Staphylococcal enterotoxin.

The products have a best by date of August 9, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: [View Label (PDF Only)]

  • 12-oz. boxes of "Bell & Evans Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets."
  • 10.5-oz. boxes of "Bell & Evans Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Breast."

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "P-516" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Staphylococcal food poisoning is a gastrointestinal illness. It is caused by eating foods contaminated with toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium found on the skin and in the noses of healthy people and animals. Staphylococcus aureus can produce seven different toxins that are frequently responsible for food poisoning.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins are fast acting, sometimes causing illness in as little as 30 minutes. Symptoms usually develop within one to six hours after eating contaminated food. Patients typically experience several of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. The illness is usually mild and most patients recover after one to three days.

To prevent Staphylococcal contamination, keep kitchens and food-serving areas clean and sanitized. Keep hot foods hot (over 140°F) and cold foods cold (40°F or under). Make sure to wash hands and under fingernails vigorously with soap and water before handling and preparing food. Do not prepare food if you have an open sore or wound on your hands or if you have a nose or eye infection.

The full recall can be found at: www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2014/recall-074-2014-release.


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