Regulators Warn Consumers Of Recalled Poultry Products Potentially Containing Under-Cooked Chicken

AUSTIN, TX — Food products containing ready-to-eat chicken that was previously recalled for being under-cooked is being used by other companies, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials said late Friday.

In a prepared statement, officials at the federal agency's Food Safety and Inspection Services said they lack confidence in the safety in the post-recall produced products using or incorporating the chicken products recalled by National Steak and Poultry on Nov. 23, Food Safety News reported.

A subsequent, expanded recall of the company's products was implemented on Dec. 4. The affected items were shipped to warehouses, distributors and retail locations nationwide, officials said.

The recalled under-cooked chicken may be found in these products, regulators believe:

• Ajinomoto brand “Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice”
• Archer Farms brand pizza products containing chicken
• Ferratto’s brand chicken pizza
• Best Choice brand chicken pizza
• Nuevo Grille brand chicken quesadillas
• Schwan’s brand chicken quesadillas

FSIS has issued a public health alert involving these establishment numbers: P-18356, P-2539B, P-1682A and P-17417all found inside the USDA mark of inspection, according to Food Safety News.
A complete list of these products can be viewed here. And product labels can be viewed here.

Poultry products require proper cooking to stave off pathogens, including Salmonella, emerging from raw poultry products. Consumers who purchased the affected items are highly urged to not eat the products.

Regulators noted the companies involved were unaware the recalled poultry may have been under-cooked at the time of the recall. Agency officials opted to issue warnings given the large volume involved — 922 tons — and the high number of establishments receiving the products, Food Safety News reported.

The publication noted that the issue came to light on Nov. 14 when a food service customer complained the product appeared to be under-cooked. Although not illnesses have been reported, the affected products should be returned to the point of purchase for a refund.

>>> Read the full story at Food Safety News

Image via Food Safety and Inspection Services