2M Pounds Of Chicken Recalled In Oklahoma

First Posted: Dec 06, 2016 04:02 AM EST
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Oklahoma-based National Steak and Poultry recently recalled 17,349 pounds of chicken. But upon further inspection, an additional 1, 976, 089 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken were marked as undercooked.

Fox News noted that this undercooking is especially dangerous as it can lead to the survival of bacterial pathogens, as announced by the Department of Agricultire, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The recall also included a variety of ready-to-eat chicken products from Aug. 20 to Nov. 30, 2016. The company made the first recall after a food service customer complained of what appeared to be undercooked chicken.

Bacterial pathogens commonly linked with raw chicken include Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are fairly common foodborne illness pathogens, although ingestion could lead to serious consequences. As noted by Live Science, these bacteria can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Rare cases can also present infections that lead to long-term health problems like arthritis. Another possible contaminant can be Listeria, which grows at lower temperatures, including refrigerator temperatures.

While cooking any meat product to the right temperature can ensure killing harmful bacteria, ready-to-eat products pose a certain risk, as consumers do not always cook them. North Carolina State University associate professor and food safety specialist Benjamin Chapman explained, "If I'm told that I don't need to cook it, then I'm less likely to cook it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit [which kills bacteria], because it's marketed to me as you don't actually have to." The same is true for food that looks like it is ready to eat, which is why undercooked chicken can potentially be dangerous.

A news release noted that there had been no confirmed reports of adverse health effects or illnesses yet, although consumers who purchased these recalled products are encouraged to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. A full list of recalled products can be found here.

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