According to the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 119 people from 32 states have fallen ill due to contamination of ground turkey with Salmonella Heidelberg bacteria, with one person who has died.

The Arkansas-based meat producer recalled almost 136 million pounds of ground turkey in August and another 185,000 pounds in September after further tests showed bacterial contamination.

This strain of Salmonella has also been found to be resistant to several antibiotics, thus increasing the risk of more serious illness and hospitalization.

At an international meeting of scientists and government health officials this week, senior CDC veterinary epidemiologist Beth Karp reported that excessive amounts of antibiotics administered to livestock is being linked to a significant increase in medication-resistant bacteria found to be contaminating meat.

Our sincere sympathies for the loss of precious life as we pray for the soon recovery of those suffering from contamination sickness. May such diseases be eliminated as more and more people turn toward the cruelty-free vegan lifestyle that brings both health and peace of mind.

http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=67358
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/heidelberg/091411/index.html
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/09/ground-turkey-outbreak-toll-climbs/
http://www.meatpoultry.com/en/News/News%20Home/Food%20Safety/2011/9
/Salmonella%20Heidelberg%20infections%20rise%20to%20119.aspx
http://www.medindia.net/news/Concern-Over-Use-of-Drugs-in-Animal-Feed-90937-1.htm#ixzz1YmJyMAiY