Press Releases at EMSL

Late last week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a meat processing company issued a recall for several hundred pounds of chicken products for possible Salmonella contamination. A variety of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken is included. In July, another recall took place related to the risk of Salmonella in these types of chicken products. Further testing done by the company led to the expansion of chicken brands in the recall.

Consuming raw or undercooked chicken increases the risk of Salmonella. Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning are fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps which typically occur 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated foods. Symptoms can last up to a week. Most individuals infected with Salmonella recover without treatment. However, severe illnesses may occur for those with weaken immune systems, young children and the elderly. In some cases, hospitalization is required.

“Anytime raw or undercooked poultry, seafood or meats are consumed, there is a chance of becoming ill if the products have been contaminated while being processed or were improperly stored,” stated Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL offers Salmonella testing services in 13 of our lab locations across the United States. These services are available to food importers, distributors, food manufacturers, retailers, health officials and the general public.”

To learn more about testing for Salmonella and other food-related pathogen testing services as well as view a full list of locations and accreditations, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com. To more information, please call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.