Salmonella Found in Ground Turkey, Cat Food, Papayas; Dairy Products Recalled

The FDA and USDA have issued warnings of several products recalled for contamination. H-E-B is recalling dairy products due to detection of a foreign substance. Ground turkey, papayas, and Nestle Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ cat food have been recalled for salmonella. Affected Purina One products include 3.5 and 7-pound bags with May 2012 sell-by dates and product codes of 03341084 and 03351084.

77 people in 26 states have sickened with salmonella Heidelberg or salmonellosis (a virulent strain of the illness). The cause is from eating ground turkey from an unnamed supplier. Consumers are urged to avoid eating ground turkey until the source can be determined. Meat, including ground turkey should be cooked to proper internal temperature to prevent the spread of illness. Here is a meat safety and cooking guide.

In Georgia, another eight people became ill with salmonella agona after eating papayas from Agromod Produce, Inc. Consumers are urged to avoid eating Yaya, Blondie, Mananita and Tastylicious papayas.

The H-E-B dairy recall includes cottage cheese, dips and spreads, sour cream and yogurt in 8 ounce, 16 ounce, 24 ounce and 32 ounce size containers. Undeclared foreign matter has been found. This recall includes various flavors and styles as well as some light, low-fat and fat-free varieties. Products in smaller containers are not affected. Affected H-E-B products were sold at Central Market, Mi Tienda and Joe V's between June 18 and July 27. Unopened and unused portions may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

Produce, meat and dairy products are especially susceptible to food-borne pathogens as they spoil easily. Hot, humid weather speeds spoiling. Unpasteurized products also spoil more quickly. There is some confusion about use-by, sell-by and expiration dates. Sell-by dates are the last date the store may sell the product. After the sell-by date, the product has usually only has a one to three days of freshness. Expiration and use-by dates are the last day that the product is guaranteed fresh. If you find that a product spoils before the expiration date, it should be returned to the place of purchase. Manufacturers need to be alerted about inaccurate expiration dates.

With suspect salmonella products, papaya, ground turkey and Purina One cat food, discard unused portions. Do not return it to the store. Place foods in a sealed container to prevent pets and wild animals from accessing it. Wash hands and surfaces that have come in contact with tainted food. Use hot water, disinfectant soap and bleach.

Healthy people typically do not suffer serious side effects from salmonella poisoning. Children, pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly and those who are ill or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for more intense reactions to salmonella. Babies and children should be kept from contact with pet food. They should not be allowed to eat it. Children should be taught to wash their hands before eating, to wash produce before eating and to wash after handling animals.

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22 years parenting four children and 25 years researching and teaching health, science and consumer education.