Lots of people are always going on about how turkey burgers are healthier for you than beef, but that doesn’t appear to be the case for the nearly 55,000 pounds of raw turkey burger that Jennie-O has had to recall over worries about possible salmonella poisoning.

The specific items being recalled are 4-pound boxes [each containing 12, 1/3-pound burgers] of Jennie-O Turkey Store “All Natural Turkey Burgers with seasonings Lean White Meat.”

From the USDA:

A use by date of “DEC 23 2011” and an identifying lot code of “32710” through “32780” are inkjetted on the side panel of each box, just above the opening tear strip. Establishment number “P-7760” is located within the USDA mark of inspection on the front of each box.

The USDA announcement says the burgers were sold at retail establishments nationwide, but a separate statement from Jennie-O says the recalled product was only sold at Sam’s Club stores.

The recall was announced over the weekend by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, which is investigating illnesses believed to be related to this recall. FSIS says that this may just be the beginning of a larger recall of “raw turkey products,” so the agency is asking consumers to take extra precaution when preparing turkey burgers while this investigation continues.

FSIS says the best way to prevent feeling the wrath of salmonella is to wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry, and cook poultry to 165° F.

The agency knows of at least a dozen cases of salmonella poisoning — in Wisconsin, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Washington — linked to the Jennie-O turkey burgers.

Jennie-O has created a web page dedicated to information related to this recall. The company is also taking phone calls regarding the recalled burgers at 1-800-621-3505.

Minnesota Firm Recalls Turkey Burger Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
[FoodSafety.gov]

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