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Amidst concerns of a salmonella outbreak, Health Canada has released a statement advising Canadians not to eat frozen raw breaded chicken products.
The statement comes after the Public Health Agency tracked 44 cases of salmonella illnesses to four different provinces, including Ontario, which saw 28 cases.
According to Public Health, 12 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The individuals became sick between February 7 and May 23, 2015. Their investigation so far found exposure to frozen raw breaded chicken products has emerged as a source of illness.
Other provinces include Quebec, with 12 cases, Nova Scotia, two cases, and Newfoundland and Labrador, two cases.
“While breaded chicken nuggets, chicken burgers and strips may look like they’re pre-cooked, many frozen breaded poultry products are actually raw and need to be handled carefully and cooked thoroughly.” reads the statement, “Raw meat and poultry can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. However, Salmonella and other harmful foodborne bacteria can be completely eliminated by cooking thoroughly. Following safe food handling practices can also reduce your chances of getting food poisoning.”
They’re recommending taking the following precautions when handling poultry:
– Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw poultry products.
– Use a separate plate, cutting board, and utensils when handling raw poultry products to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
– Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry products. Cook all frozen, stuffed, breaded or raw poultry pieces to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Whole poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 82°C (180°F).
– Always follow the cooking and heating instructions on the package of any frozen raw breaded poultry product, including products labelled with phrases such as Uncooked, Cook and Serve, Ready to Cook, and Oven Ready.
– Due to uneven heating, microwave cooking of frozen raw breaded poultry products, including chicken nuggets, strips or burgers, is not recommended.
Agencies/Canadajournal
