A 14-state <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/food_poisoning">Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Marie Callender’s brand cheesy chicken and rice frozen meals, prompting ConAgra Inc. to recall roughly 400,000 to 800,000 individual dinners, regardless of production date.
According to the recall notice, ConAgra was informed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of an investigation involving 29 people in 14 states who have been diagnosed with Salmonella infections linked to Salmonella serotype Chester. Eight people sickened in the outbreak specifically reported eating the Marie Callender’s meals in April and May before becoming sick. The last reported illness was reported on May 22.
The products subject to recall include:
• 13-ounce packages of “Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken & Rice White Meat Chicken and Broccoli over Rice Topped with Rich Cheddar Sauce.”
Each package bears a label with establishment number “P-45” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The Marie Callender’s frozen dinners were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.
Consumers who purchased these dinners should throw the product away and return the package to the retailer for a refund. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact ConAgra Foods at 1-866-484-9610.
Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or those undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.
According to a report in USA Today, the CDC estimates that for every lab-confirmed-Salmonella case, there are roughly 38 people sick. That means that hundreds of unreported illness could be associated with this recall.
