Date of Recall:
March 29, 2008

Products Recalled:
Koch Foods Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast Fillet with Rib Meat

Product Information:
The following product is subject to recall:

10-pound cases of "Koch Foods Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast Fillet with Rib Meat" containing two 5-pound bags. Each case bears the establishment number "P-20795" inside the USDA mark of inspection, a production code of "24837-2", a date code of "B03982" and as well as a product code of "86861" printed on the label.

The frozen chicken products were produced on Feb. 8, 2008.

Recalling Firm:
Koch Foods
Fairfield, OH

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (601) 732-3056.

Problem/Reason for Recall:
The frozen, pre-browned, raw products were labeled as "precooked" and therefore do not provide proper preparation instructions. These raw products may appear fully cooked.  Raw products may contain bacteria, such as Salmonella.  Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

The problem was discovered by the company. FSIS has received no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

FSIS is reminding consumers that all poultry products should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165º Fahrenheit as determined by a food thermometer. Using a food thermometer is the only way to know that food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy foodborne bacteria.

Amount recalled:   Approximately 1,420 pounds

Distribution:
To distribution centers in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, intended for use by food service institutions.

Press Release:   Yes 

USDA-FSIS  for more information