Twelve people in seven states, including one in Wisconsin, have become ill with salmonella believed to come from fresh basil sold at Trader Joe's grocery locations, according to state and federal health officials.
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Why a salmonella outbreak shouldn't ruin your Thanksgiving
CAN MY TURKEY HAVE SALMONELLA?
This image provided by Hormel Foods on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 shows the production code information on the side of the sleeve of Jennie-O-Turkey that is being recalled. Jennie-O-Turkey is recalling more than 91,000 pounds of raw turkey in an ongoing salmonella outbreak. Regulators say additional products from other companies could be named as their investigation continues. The products being recalled include 1-pound packages of raw, ground turkey and were shipped to retailers nationwide. Regulators say the product should be thrown away and not eaten. (Hormel Foods via AP)
Salmonella is considered widespread in poultry, and it's perfectly legal for supermarkets to sell raw turkey that has the bacteria. Part of the rationale for allowing salmonella is that people don't eat chicken medium rare, said Timothy Lytton, a Georgia State University law professor. In 1974, a court said that "American housewives and cooks normally are not ignorant and stupid" and that they know how to prepare food so people don't get sick.
Even though salmonella is not prohibited in raw meat or poultry, regulators check to make sure the number of samples at processing plants that test positive for the bacteria is within standards. Rules are tighter for whole turkeys, and the industry says the chances of finding salmonella in whole birds are "exceedingly low."
WHAT ABOUT THE OUTBREAK?
This combination of images provided by Hormel Foods on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 shows packaging for four types of Jennie-O ground raw turkey with a P190 designation which have been recalled due to concerns over salmonella. Salmonella in food is estimated to be responsible for 1 million illnesses a year, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. (Hormel Foods via AP)
Since it began last year, the outbreak linked to raw turkey has caused one death and 164 reported illnesses in 35 states. Until last week, regulators hadn't been able to tie any cases to a specific product or supplier. That's even though investigators said 29 unidentified slaughtering and processing plants tested positive for the salmonella strain involved.
The recall could be confusing because federal regulations are contradictory. The U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn't prohibit salmonella but can ask companies to recall products once they are clearly shown to be responsible for illnesses. The USDA's Carmen Rottenberg said the agency can't take action until it has enough evidence.
WHAT WAS RECALLED?
Fresh turkeys await customers at Ashley Farms in Flanders, N.J., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. Starting in late May every year, Ashley Farms raises 7,000 turkeys to be eaten on Thanksgiving. In the days leading up the to the holiday they prepare more than 300 fresh turkeys a day to add to the frozen ones they have already processed. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The USDA tied one illness in Arizona to Jennie-O ground turkey meat. The recall by Jennie-O was limited to turkey from a single day's production in September from a manufacturing line in Wisconsin. The packages had use-by dates of early October but could still be in freezers.
Regulators say more products from other companies could still be linked to the illnesses. Parent company Hormel Foods Corp. said it owns five of the 29 plants that tested positive for the germ.
WHAT SHOULD COOKS DO?
Fresh turkeys are ready to be packaged at Ashley Farms in Flanders, N.J., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. Starting in late May every year, Ashley Farms raises 7,000 turkeys to be eaten on Thanksgiving. In the days leading up the to the holiday they prepare more than 300 fresh turkeys a day to add to the frozen ones they have already processed. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Health officials say proper handling and cooking should kill any salmonella. A few points to remember:
— It seems counterintuitive, but don't rinse raw turkey — that can spread any germs.
