Outbreak Summary
The CDC has announced a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses linked to “raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken products.” At least 17 people have been sickened so far, with 8 people sick enough to have been hospitalized. The known illnesses have occurred in six states: Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin. It is likely that many more have been or will become sick in this outbreak.
On August 9th, the USDA announced a recall of a variety of stuffed frozen chicken products manufactured by Serenade Foods and sold under different brand names. The recall was initiated after unopened intact packages of raw, frozen, breaded chicken stuffed with broccoli and cheese were collected from an ill person’s home and tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis. More information on the recall is below.
The vast majority of the sick people who were interviewed by public health officials reported eating stuffed breaded chicken products before getting sick. Although they reported eating different brands of products purchased at different stores, whole-genome sequencing of the Salmonella bacteria shows that all the samples are closely linked genetically, which means it is likely that all the victims got sick from the same ultimate source. The Minnesota Department of Health found the outbreak strain of Salmonella in two samples of Kirkwood’s Chicken Cordon Bleu obtained from a grocery store where a sick person purchased those products. Kirkwood products are sold ALDI stores.
These kinds of products (e.g. Chicken Kiev or Chicken Cordon Bleu) are often sold in individually wrapped packages in the frozen aisle of the supermarket. They have a long history of causing widespread and serious outbreaks of Salmonellosis because it is often difficult to fully cook the raw chicken in the microwave, especially given the inconsistent and uneven heating that many microwaves produce.
OFT’s Salmonella lawyers are actively investigating this outbreak, and this page will update as we uncover more information. If you or a loved believe you were sickened in this outbreak, please call or contact us using the form on the page for a free consultation.
More Details
At least 17 people across six states have been sickened in a multistate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to frozen raw breaded stuffed chicken products, including Chicken Cordon Bleu and chicken products stuffed with broccoli and cheese. Reported illnesses have occurred in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin:
According to public health officials, several individuals required hospitalization after developing severe Salmonella infections. As investigators continue to track the outbreak, consumers are urged to check their freezers for recalled products and avoid consuming any affected items.
On August 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of certain Serenade Foods frozen raw stuffed chicken products due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels]
The affected products bear establishment number “P-2375” inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed to retailers nationwide.
Consumers should carefully review product packaging, lot codes, and best-by dates associated with the recall. Anyone who purchased these products should discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase.
Although the CDC initially reported 17 illnesses across six states, the USDA recall notice later indicated that 28 people in eight states may have been affected by the outbreak. This discrepancy highlights that foodborne illness investigations often evolve as additional cases are identified and reported.
Because many Salmonella infections go unreported, the actual number of illnesses associated with contaminated chicken products may be significantly higher than official counts.
Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most common Salmonella strains responsible for foodborne illness in the United States. While there are more than 2,500 known Salmonella serotypes, only a relatively small number cause illness in humans, and Enteritidis is among the most frequently reported.
People typically become infected after consuming contaminated poultry, eggs, produce, or other food products. Symptoms often develop within six hours to six days after exposure and may include:
While many people recover without treatment, severe Salmonella infections can require hospitalization, particularly among young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella food poisoning can be much more serious than a typical stomach illness. In severe cases, the bacteria can spread beyond the intestines and enter the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening complications that require immediate medical treatment.
Hospitalization is common in severe outbreaks. In this outbreak alone, nearly half of the reported victims required hospital care due to the severity of their symptoms.
Some individuals continue to experience health problems long after their initial illness resolves. One of the most well-known complications is reactive arthritis, sometimes referred to as Reiter’s Syndrome.
Reactive arthritis can cause:
In rare cases, Salmonella infections may also contribute to bloodstream infections, organ complications, or other serious medical conditions that require ongoing treatment.
If you became ill after consuming recalled frozen stuffed chicken products, seek medical attention as soon as possible. A confirmed diagnosis can help protect your health and may also provide important evidence if a food poisoning claim becomes necessary.
You should also preserve any remaining product packaging, receipts, and medical records related to your illness. These materials may help investigators identify the source of contamination and establish a connection between your illness and the recalled products.
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers represents victims of Salmonella outbreaks nationwide. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for individuals harmed by contaminated food products and have helped hold food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for preventable outbreaks.
Our Salmonella lawyers understand the complex investigations involved in food poisoning cases and work with medical experts, public health officials, and food safety professionals to build strong claims for our clients. We are committed to helping victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by foodborne illness.
If you or a loved one became ill after consuming recalled raw stuffed chicken products, you may have legal options. OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers offers free consultations to individuals and families affected by Salmonella food poisoning outbreaks nationwide.
Our legal team can review your situation, answer your questions, and help determine whether you may have a claim for compensation. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Salmonella outbreak lawyer and learn more about your rights.