Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is alerting Georgians to the recall of certain Barber Foods stuffed-chicken products distributed in Georgia because of potential health risk to pets and consumers.

Georgia Department of Agriculture inspectors will check retail stores and warehouses to make sure the recalled products have been removed from sale. The recall information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, or FSIS, follows.

Barber Foods is recalling approximately 1.7 million pounds of frozen, raw stuffed-chicken products that may be contaminated with salmonella enteritidis. The chicken products were produced between Feb. 17 and May 20.

The product comes in a 2-pound, 4-ounce cardboard box containing six individually pouched pieces of “Barber Foods Premium Entrees Breaded-Boneless Raw Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat Kiev,” with use by/sell by dates of April 28, 2016; May 20, 2016; and July 21, 2016; and Lot Code numbers 0950292102, 0950512101, or 0951132202. The recalled products bear the establishment number “P-276” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were shipped to retail locations nationwide and Canada.  

FSIS recently expanded the recall to several other Barber Foods products, including several varieties of cordon bleu, chicken tenders and chicken fingers. For a complete list, go to http://1.usa.gov/1Je4PsX.

FSIS was notified of a cluster of salmonella enteritidis illnesses on June 24. Working in conjunction with state officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USDA determined there is a link between the Barber Foods products and this illness cluster. Based on epidemiological evidence and trace-back investigations, six patients have been identified in Minnesota and Wisconsin with illness onset dates ranging from April 5 to June 23, which link to the specific food products.

Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial food-borne illnesses. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12-72 hours after exposure to the organism. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. 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 products may be in consumers' freezers.

Although the products subject to recall may appear to be cooked, these products are 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 an internal temperature of 165°F checking at the center, the thickest part and the surface of the product with a food thermometer. FSIS advises all consumers to treat these products like a raw chicken product.

Consumers with questions may contact the company directly at (844) 564-5555. When available, the product retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

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.