Banquet Pot Pies: Recall

Banquet Pot Pies have been added to the growing list of "recall foods" after many people have been diagnosed with Salmonella poisoning after consuming Turkey Banquet Pot Pies. Banquet Pot Pies are a handy and convenient food that is sold frozen, reheated in the oven and then eaten. Their new design has allowed for cooking pot pies in the microwave, and the company is indicating that they believe due to different microwave wattage settings, some people may inadvertently be undercooking the pot pies.

If you have Chicken or Turkey Banquet Pot Pies, you should not eat them. In fact, the company that produces Banquet Pot Pies, ConAgra Foods Inc. has voluntarily recalled the pies, stating that when they are cooked properly they are safe. However, it is investigating the matter and since 139 cases have sprung up of Salmonella poisoning in 30 states, the question will be whether or not all consumers failed to cook the Banquet Pot Pies properly.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2007 the United States Department of Agriculture issued an official health alert warning all consumers that there is a link between the pot pies and Salmonella poisoning.

If you remember, it was the same company, ConAgra that was involved with the Peter Pan recall that caused more than 625 people in 47 states to become ill. If you have Banquet Pot Pies and would like a refund, you will need to mail the company the side panel of your package that has the code "P-9". You may find this located above the expiration date, but it will be located somewhere on the side panel. To receive a refund, cut out the side so you can clearly see the "P-9" code and mail the panel to:

ConAgra Foods

Department BQPP

P.O. Box 3768

Omaha, Nebraska 68103-0768

Be sure to include your address so that they may mail you a refund. Also, if you have purchased the pot pies and have any questions you may call ConAgra at

(866) 484-8671

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning strike suddenly, typically between 5 and 72 hours after eating contaminated food and ingesting the Salmonella bacteria. They include sudden nauseas, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, and diarrhea that may contain blood or mucous. There is no medicine that specifically treats Salmonella though sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed in sever cases. Typically, Salmonella is antibiotic resistant and recovery tends to resolve naturally within five to seven days. Salmonella poisoning is closely related to dehydration, and of all the symptoms, the patient's primary concern is to remain hydrated. It may be necessary for intravenous fluids to be prescribed if the patient becomes dehydrated. If you suspect that you have Salmonella poisoning, you should contact your health care worker at once.

Related Links:

Con Agra Foods Statement Regarding Banquet Pot Pies

Information on Salmonella Poisoning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

USDA Health Alert for Banquet Pot Pies: Chicken, Turkey

Salmonella Topic Page: CDC