Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is alerting Georgians to the recall of certain Aspen Foods stuffed chicken products distributed in Georgia because of potential health risk to consumers. Georgia Department of Agriculture inspectors will check retail stores and warehouses to make sure the recalled products have been removed from sale. Here is the recall information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Inspection Service, or USDA FSIS:

Aspen Foods is recalling approximately 2 million pounds of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken products that may be contaminated with salmonella enteritidis.

The frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken items were produced between April 15 and July 10 with “best if used by” dates between July 14, 2016, and October 10, 2016. The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “P-1358” inside the USDA mark of inspection. This product was shipped to retail stores and food-service locations nationwide. To view a full list of recalled products, go to http://ow.ly/PHkxc.

Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial food-borne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. However, older adults, infants and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health-care provider.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be in consumers' freezers. Although the product subject to recall may appear to be cooked, this product is in fact uncooked (raw) and should be handled carefully to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. Particular attention needs to be paid to safely prepare and cook these raw poultry products to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit checking at the center, the thickest part and the surface of the product.

This frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken product was labeled with instructions identifying that the product was raw and included cooking instructions for preparation. FSIS advises all consumers to treat this product like a raw chicken product. Hands and any surfaces, including surfaces that may have breading dislodged from the product, should be cleaned after contact with this raw product. Also, keep raw poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use one cutting board for raw poultry and a separate one for fresh produce and cooked foods.

Anyone with questions may contact the company directly at (844) 277-6802.

This is one of several recalls impacting Georgia this week. To view a comprehensive list or sign up for e-mail alerts, go to www.agr.georgia.gov/recalls.aspx. If this recall expands or additional details become available, the website will provide the most up-to-date information. Also, follow the Georgia Department of Agriculture on Twitter @GDAFoodSafety for recall alerts and food-safety tips.

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