USDA Recalls 36 Million Pounds Of Ground Turkey

The Agriculture Department says meat giant Cargill is recalling 36 million pounds of ground turkey linked to a death in California and at least 76 other salmonella illnesses.

Illnesses in the outbreak date back to March and have been reported in 26 states coast to coast.

Government officials say that even contaminated ground turkey is safe to eat if it is cooked to 165 degrees and handled properly before cooking.

Read: Cargill Product Recall List From August 3, 2011

In the Southern California area, the meat was sold under the Kroger store brand, which in the Palm Springs area is sold at Ralph’s Grocery Store and Food 4 Less.

Consumers are urged to return any opened or unopened packages of ground turkey items listed on the Cargill 8/3/2011 product recall list for a full refund.

Consumers with questions about recalled ground turkey products may contact Cargill?s consumer relations toll free telephone number (1-888-812-1646).