Butterball recalls turkey problems caused by salmonella

Nearly 80,000 pounds of ground turkey, wrapped and sold by Butterball last summer, were recalled due to fears of salmonella contamination. The recall is not an immediate threat to consumers who have recently purchased ground turkey, but they are asked to check any frozen containers that may be contaminated in their freezer.

The packages of concern have an expiry date of use or sale of July 26, 2018. So far, six cases of salmonella intoxication in three states have been confirmed – Minnesota, Carolina North and Wisconsin – with an inpatient. No deaths have been reported as part of the problem.

The products concerned include an EST establishment number. P-7345 "on the label, near the USDA inspection mark, according to the Center for Disease Control.The following UPC packages and codes are part of the recall:

• Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural 85% Lean / 15% Fat, 16 ounce CUP Pack 22655-71546
• Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural at 93% Lean / 7% Fat, Pack of 16 Plastic Units CUP 22655-71561
• Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground, Turkey 85% Lean / 15% Fat, 48 ounces CUP Tray 22655-71555
• Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural 85% Lean / 15% Fat, Pack of 48 Ounce CUP 22655-71557
• Kroger Fresh Ground Turkey 85% Lean / 15% Fat, Packed in CUP Box of 48 Ounces 111141097993
• Chopped turkey with natural flavors, Food Lion 15% UPC 3582609294
• Butterball Fresh Everyday Ground Turkey All Natural at 93% Lean / 7% Fat, 48 ounce CUP Pack Box 22655-71556
• Butterball All Natural Ground Turkey 85% Lean / 15% Fat, in 16 Ounce Pack of 22655-71547

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning usually appear after 12 to 72 hours of exposure and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. These symptoms can last up to a week. The CDC advises children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a serious illness caused by salmonella intoxication.

If you have one of the recalled products at home, you should either discard it or return it to the store where you bought it. For more information, contact Butterball at 1-800-288-8372 ext. 4 hours between 10 am and 7 pm EST.