Attention, Costco shoppers: did you buy Kirkland Signature Foster Farms rotisserie chicken or chicken soup between September 24 and October 15? If so, you may be at risk for salmonella poisoning.
In the latest food safety hazard from the bulk-foods retailer, Costco yesterday announced a recall of chicken products due to a nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to 317 illnesses. The recall covers 13,455 units of Kirkland Signature Foster Farms chicken products in addition to nearly 40,000 pounds of rotisserie chicken sold between September 11 and September 23.
The latest outbreak carries an unusually virulent salmonella strain that’s antibiotic resistant, resulting in twice as many hospitalizations as a standard salmonella outbreak.
Another food safety recall issued this week targeted Kirkland ground beef sold at Costco stores in Canada. Read about the ground beef recall here.
Salmonella Chicken Recall Linked to South San Francisco Costco
Salmonella Chicken Recall Linked to South San Francisco Costco
The chicken recall targets Kirkland Signature Foster Farms products including rotisserie chicken, 638 units of rotisserie chicken soup, rotisserie chicken leg quarters and rotisserie chicken salad purchased between September 24 and October 15 at a Costco located at 1600 El Camino Real in South San Francisco.
Nationwide, the salmonella outbreak in Foster Farms chicken products has sickened at least 317 people. Consumer advocates are demanding a full recall of all poultry from the three meat plants where the Kirkland Signature chicken originated.
According to the Los Angeles Times, USDA investigations found a number of health and sanitation violations at the plants:
Consumer advocates have demanded a full recall of poultry from the three Foster Farms plants, citing USDA investigations showing multiple instances of unsanitary conditions and fecal matter on carcasses.
“This new recall just reinforces what we’ve been saying all along, which is they need a full recall, not just of rotisserie chicken from that Costco, but those three Foster Farms plants,” said Michael Hansen, senior scientist for Consumers Union.
For its part, Foster Farms insists it’s tightening its safety protocols and introducing a new plan to reduce contamination, though the company didn’t release any details.
Both the USDA and Foster Farms assured consumers that the recalled poultry is still safe for consumption as long as it’s cooked to a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Costco reportedly cooks its rotisserie chicken to a minimum of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
To avoid the risk of salmonella, always cook raw chicken thoroughly to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If You Bought Costco’s Recalled Rotisserie Chicken
If you’re concerned about any rotisserie chicken products you’ve purchased at Costco from September 11 to September 23, or from September 24 to October 15, contact your local Costco store manager for more information.
Always remember to handle raw food carefully and cook all chicken products thoroughly to a minimum of 165 degrees before serving.
For more information about food safety and consumer recalls, check out our article Quick Tips On Product Recalls: How To Avoid Danger.
What do you think about this latest food safety recall? Do we need better inspections processes for products like ground beef and rotisserie chicken? Will this make you think twice before your next Costco shopping trip? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
See Also
Ground Beef Recall: 50,000 Pounds of National Beef May Contain E.Coli
Costco in Canada Recalls Kirkland Signature Beef due to E.Coli Outbreak
Chobani Greek Yogurt Recalled After Consumers Complain on Facebook, Twitter
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