Is There Currently a Recall on Turkey Meat?

Turkey meat is a popular choice for many consumers due to its lean protein content and versatility in recipes. However, like any meat, turkey is not completely immune to recalls due to contamination or other issues. So is there currently a recall on turkey meat products? Let’s take a look at the latest information.

Understanding Turkey Meat Recalls

Turkey recalls are typically announced by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). There are a few common reasons why turkey meat may be recalled

• Salmonella contamination Salmonella bacteria can spread from the intestines of turkeys to the meat during slaughter and processing It’s one of the most common pathogens behind turkey recalls

• Listeria contamination: Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can contaminate deli meats and other ready-to-eat turkey products, leading to potential recalls. Listeria can survive refrigeration temperatures.

• Foreign matter contamination: Bone fragments, metal, plastic, or other foreign materials may accidentally get mixed into ground turkey or turkey products, prompting recalls.

• Undeclared allergens: Ingredients like wheat, milk, or soy may be unintentionally introduced into turkey products without proper labeling, causing allergen-related recalls.

• Underprocessing: If products like ground turkey are not processed to eliminate pathogens, it can also lead to recalls for potential illness risks.

So while turkey recalls don’t happen extremely often, consumers should still be aware of any current issues.

Is There a Recent Turkey Recall?

As of February 2023, there are no active turkey meat recalls listed on the USDA FSIS website. The most recent turkey recall was back in November 2022 when over 60,000 pounds of frozen raw ground turkey products from Pennsylvania-based Plainville Brands, LLC were recalled due to potential contamination with purple plastic pieces.

Prior to that, there was a January 2022 recall by Butterball LLC for around 14,000 pounds of ground turkey products that may have been contaminated with blue plastic pieces. Going back even further, Empire Kosher Poultry recalled over 90,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products in August 2021 due to possible Salmonella contamination.

So while turkey recalls occur sporadically, there are currently no active recalls consumers need to worry about based on the latest FSIS information. However, it’s always important to follow safe handling, cooking, and storage practices for all turkey products to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

How to Stay Informed on Turkey and Other Meat Recalls

The USDA FSIS provides a few helpful resources consumers can use to stay up-to-date on any new turkey or other meat product recalls:

• FSIS Recall Alert Email List – Consumers can sign up for email notifications whenever new meat recalls are issued.

• FSIS Recalls Portal – The FSIS website provides a searchable database of all food recalls and alerts.

• USDA FoodKeeper App – Get recall alerts and food storage info on your smartphone through this handy USDA app.

• Twitter and Facebook – Follow the USDA FSIS on social media for real-time updates on recalls as they’re announced.

• Food Product Dating – Check the sell by and use by dates on products and be aware of their shelf life. Discard anything that’s expired.

• Kitchen Thermometers – Use a food thermometer to ensure turkey reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.

Being an informed consumer and following good food safety practices are the best defenses against potential issues with turkey meat or other recalled products. But by utilizing the resources above, those who purchase and consume turkey can rest easier knowing they’ll be alerted if any recalls are issued in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes turkey meat to be recalled?

The most common reasons for turkey meat recalls are contamination with Salmonella or Listeria bacteria, foreign matter like plastic or metal mixed into the meat, undeclared allergens, or underprocessing that allows pathogens to survive.

How often do turkey recalls happen?

Turkey recalls do not happen extremely often. According to USDA FSIS data, there have only been a handful of turkey recalls in the past few years, with none currently active as of February 2023. Recalls seem to happen sporadically.

What should I do if I have recalled turkey at home?

If you happen to have turkey meat products at home that have been recalled, follow the instructions provided with the recall notice. This usually involves discarding the product or returning it to the place of purchase for a refund. Never consume recalled turkey meat.

Who monitors turkey recalls?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) oversees and announces all recalls of meat, poultry, and processed egg products, including turkey meat recalls.

How can I check for recent turkey recalls?

The USDA FSIS website provides up-to-date information on all active food recalls. You can also sign up for email alerts from FSIS to be notified of new recalls when they are issued. Checking the USDA FoodKeeper app is another easy way to stay informed.

The Bottom Line

While turkey meat is nutritious and generally safe, recalls do occasionally happen due to contamination or processing issues. Even though there are no current active turkey recalls as of early 2023, consumers should continue using safe handling practices and take advantage of USDA FSIS resources to stay updated on any future turkey or other meat recalls. Being an informed purchaser remains the best defense against potential foodborne illnesses.