Marie Callender's frozen chicken product recalled due to possible contamination

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin is alerting consumers to the recall of some frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC, Council Bluffs, Iowa, is recalling all Marie Callender's brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella serotype Chester.

The recall includes all 13-ounce packages of Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken & Rice White Meat Chicken and Broccoli over Rice Topped with Rich Cheddar Sauce, regardless of production date. Each package bears a label with establishment number "P-45" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The product is being recalled due to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigation involving 29 people in 14 states who have been diagnosed with salmonellosis linked to Salmonella serotype Chester. Eight of the patients specifically reported eating this product in April and May, 2010, before becoming ill.

Salmonella infections can be life-threatening to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or those undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within eight to 72 hours of ingestion. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact ConAgra Foods at (866) 484-9610.