South Dakota Plant Recalls Chicken For Underprocessing

        WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2001—Dakota Foods, Inc., a Sioux Falls, S.D., plant, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,580 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken salad because the product may have been underprocessed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

        The product subject to recall is "Smash Hit Subs: WHITE MEAT CHICKEN SALAD" in 18 lb. cases, with product code 80368. Each 18 lb. case contains 3 lb. vacuum sealed packages with product code 80368.

        The product was produced on Oct. 1, 2001, and bears the establishment number "P-7096" inside the USDA seal of inspection on the label.

        This product was distributed to Orion Smash Hit franchises typically located in convenience stores nationwide. The problem was discovered when the product was pulled out of an Orion R&D Kitchen stock for presentation, and the potential undercooking was reported directly to Dakota Foods, Inc.

        "Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall," said Margaret O’K. Glavin, FSIS acting administrator. "FSIS is informing the public so franchises and consumers who may have purchased and stored the product in their refrigerators or freezers can know to check."

        FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

        Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Dakota Foods, Inc.’s Quality Assurance Manager, Jim Olson at (605) 334-5332. Media with questions about the recall may contact Steve Willis, Comptroller, Dakota Foods, Inc., at (605) 334-5332.

        Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.