Latest salmonella scare over chicken and turkey pies

Oct 10 2007

The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) has warned the public about more food contaminated with salmonella.

The latest scare relates to turkey and chicken pot pies made by the food company ConAgra Foods and marketed under the brand name 'Banquet'.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says the public health alert applies to turkey and chicken pot pies and store-brand pot pies which need cooking with "P-9" printed on the side of the package.

The FSIS is currently investigating ConAgra Food's Missouri premises after they voluntarily ceased production following reports of illnesses linked to their products.

Public health officials working with the FSIS suggest a meat product is the suspected culprit and the source of the contamination.

Both ConAgra and the FSIS have advised consumers not eat the turkey and chicken pot pies until all factors involved in the contamination issue have been determined.

ConAgra has said it believes the problem is possibly related to consumers undercooking the product.

ConAgra which is based in Omaha, Nebraska is one of the largest U.S. food companies and provides food products to grocers, restaurants and food service establishments across the U.S.; their brands include Healthy Choice, Chef Boyardee and Hebrew National.

ConAgra is cooperating with officials to identify any additional steps that may be appropriate, including potential changes that may further clarify cooking instructions for consumers.