Salmonella

Outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Tyson Brand Mechanically Separated Chicken at a Correctional Facility (Final Update)

This outbreak appears to be over. However, Salmonella is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about Salmonella, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC Salmonella Web Page.

Recall

On January 10, 2014, Tyson Foods, Inc. recalled approximately 33,840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg. The chicken products were produced on October 11, 2013, and shipped for institutional use only nationwide. The product is not available for consumer purchase in retail stores.

The recalled products were shipped in 40-pound cases containing four 10-pound chubs of “Tyson Mechanically Separated Chicken.” The products bear the establishment number “P-13556” inside the USDA mark of inspection with case code 2843SDL1412-18.

Institutions should not serve the recalled chicken products. Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact Tyson Foods’ consumer relations department at 866-886-8456.

Advice to Institutions

A mechanically separated chicken product produced by Tyson Foods, Inc. has been recalled.

Mechanically separated chicken is a paste-like chicken product produced by forcing the poultry through a sieve to separate the bone from the edible tissue.
Recalled mechanically separated chicken products were sold to institutions.
Institutions should not serve the recalled chicken products.
Even if some of the chicken product has been eaten or served without anyone becoming ill, the rest of the product should not be eaten or served.

Contaminated mechanically separated chicken products may make people sick.

If the recalled product has been served, be vigilant for illnesses that may be salmonellosis among persons consuming it, and if illness has occurred, consult the local public health department.
Key facts about salmonellosis include:
- Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
- The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. In severe cases, antibiotic treatment can be lifesaving.
- It is diagnosed by culturing a sample in the laboratory for Salmonella.
- See Signs and Symptoms for more information.

Recalled products were not available for consumer purchase in retail stores.

« Read the full Outbreak Investigation