Foster Farms recalls chicken products over Salmonella Heidelberg concerns

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local Foster Farms plants are at the center of a chicken recall due to a salmonella outbreak. The chicken products were made at three Central Valley facilities, including one in Fresno. The products were then distributed to states across the West Coast, including Hawaii, Alaska and California.

The investigation stems from a consumer who got sick last week. They apparently froze boneless skinless chicken breast in March but got sick when they recently cooked it.

Investigators at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) say there's now conclusive evidence that directly links Foster Farms chicken products to a Salmonella Heidelberg illness. The products in question have a use or freeze date from March 16th through March 29th. They also have a plant code of P-6137, P-6137A, or P-7632.

"We do know consumers frequently freeze product. And so because some of this product may still be in freezers we want to make sure that consumers are aware that it is a part of the recall," said FSIS spokesperson Adam Tarr.

Foster Farms has released this statement following the recall:

"At Foster Farms our first concern is always the safety of the people who enjoy our products and we stand committed to doing our part to enhance the safety of our nation's food supply."

The FSIS says there's not enough evidence to shut down any of these plants. But they'll closely monitor these three Foster Farms plants in the Central Valley. They are also actively investigating slaughter houses associated with Foster Farms that could be the source of the outbreak strain.

Click here for more information from the FSIS.