USDA Warning: Cook frozen chicken

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http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/10/05/salmonella.chicken.ap/index.html

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government is urging consumers to

thoroughly cook frozen chicken dinners after 32 people in 12 states

were sickened with salmonella poisoning.

The health warning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited frozen

dishes in which the chicken is raw, but breaded or pre-browned, giving

the appearance of being cooked. They include " chicken cordon bleu, "

" chicken Kiev, " or chicken breasts stuffed with cheese, vegetables or

other items.

USDA said many of the people who became ill

apparently did not follow the package's cooking instructions and

microwaved the chicken dishes even though the instructions did not

provide for it. Microwaving didn't heat the meals enough to kill the

salmonella.

The department said chicken products should be cooked to a minimum internal

temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

USDA issued the warning Friday after Minnesota health officials found a link

between the chicken dinners with salmonella illnesses reported in Minnesota and

11 other states. It did not name the states in its release, and did

not immediately respond to a message left at its press office Saturday

seeking that information.

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever

within eight to 72 hours.

Salmonella poisoning can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak

immune systems such as infants and the elderly.

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