Ground Turkey Recalled After Nationwide Outbreak, 7 Sick In Illinois

Cargill has recalled about 36 million pounds of ground turkey after a nationwide salmonella outbreak was linked to some of its meat.

The tainted meat is believed to have originated at the company's Springdale, Ark. plant. Any ground turkey produced at that facility between Feb. 20 and Aug. 2 has been recalled, the company said in a statement.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that a total of 77 people in 26 states have been infected with the same type of salmonella between March 1 and Aug. 1.

Seven cases have been reported in Illinois with at least one person hospitalized, officials said. One case has been reported in both Cook and Will counties.

The public health alert provides the following tips for dealing with the outbreak:

• Ground turkey must be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees to kill bacteria
• Do not allow raw poultry to come into contact with other food items
• Wash your hands and utensils with soap and water after coming into contact with raw poultry
• Most people develop symptoms within 12 to 72 hour of contact. Salmonella infection may require treatment and can be most harmful to young children and the elderly.

The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline or 1-888-674-6854 is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.