On Wednesday, August 3, a major US meat processor announced a recall of
ground turkey totaling 36 million pounds, one of the largest such
recalls in history.
The action came after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
linked the meat from one of the processor's plants to illnesses that
began in March and have spread across 26 states.
The meat contamination is being caused by an antibiotic-resistant strain
of Salmonella bacteria, with at least 76 people who have fallen ill and
one fatality thus far.
Also on Wednesday, French scientists announced the discovery of a
separate “superbug” strain of Salmonella, called S. Kentucky, that is
also highly resistant to antibiotics.
The researchers stated that this strain appears to have spread from
Africa to Europe since 2002, with evidence that it may have already
reached the United States and Canada through imports, with poultry meat
being the main carrier.
We are saddened by the loss of life and suffering due to illness from this harmful meat contamination.
Our prayers that such dangerous diseases may subside as we choose the healthier, more humane and safer plant-based diet.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/08/cdc-investigates-26-state-salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-turkey/
http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/126642918.html
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/scientists-find-new-superbug-strain-of-salmonella/
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/business/cargill-recalls-ground-turkey-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak.html