ConAgra Foods has issued a recall for all Marie Callender's brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals over food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, the recall was issued after the products were linked to a salmonella outbreak in 14 states. The company was informed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that the frozen meals were connected to 29 illnesses. Eight of those who became ill reported it between April and May 2010. The most recent illness was reported to officials on May 22, 2010.

The product involved in this particular recall is labeled "Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice White Meat Chicken and Broccoli over Rice Topped with Rich Cheddar Sauce." All batches have been recalled irrespective of when they were manufactured. These frozen meals were sold at retailers nationwide. Those who have these meals in their freezer are asked to discard them regardless of product date.

Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonella poisoning can cause serious personal injuries or even death, if it is not promptly diagnosed and treated. Very often, the symptoms of salmonella poisoning include severe abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle pains and chills. In some cases where the infection is not properly diagnosed, salmonella infection could become serious and result in several days of hospitalization.

The symptoms may be experienced anywhere from eight hours to 72 hours of consuming the tainted food. Salmonella infection can become life-threatening especially when it affects young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Salmonella poisoning or salmonella infection is usually diagnosed using lab tests. If you have a serious infection, you need to get promptly treated. If the infection gets into the blood stream and spreads to other internal organs, it could become potentially fatal.

Food-Borne Illness Investigation

In this particular case, the source of the contamination has not yet been disclosed. Did the contamination occur at a factory or at a manufacturing plant? Was the manufacturer negligent in terms of following proper food safety procedures? Were the workers in the plant made aware and trained to follow these safety regulations? I trust federal officials are looking into these issues in determining how this contamination occurred in the first place.

If you or someone you love has been sickened as a result of these recalled food products, you would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented victims of salmonella poisoning. The food producer that caused your food-borne illness could be held liable and you could be compensated for your medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization and other related expenses. If you suspect you have suffered salmonella poisoning from these recalled salami or sausage products, it would also be a good idea to file a report with your local health care agency.

Have you ever experienced food-poisoning?

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