Wisconsin Establishment Recalls Chicken Products Because of Undercooking

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2002– Brakebush Brothers, Inc., a Westfield, Wis., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 80,500 pounds of chicken products because some of the products may have been undercooked, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products subject to recall are:

• 10-pound boxes of "CHIK ‘N’ ZIPS, Grilled FULLY Cooked Skinless Boneless, Chicken Breast FILLET STRIPS." Each box bears the case code "5211" and a nine-digit date code beginning with the numbers "3471," and the establishment number "P-161" in the USDA mark of inspection. The product was produced on Dec. 13, 2001 and was distributed to food service distributors nationwide.

• 1,200-pound bulk containers of "Fully Cooked DICED Chicken Breast Meat WITH RIB MEAT." Each box bears the case code "10967" and the establishment number "P-161" in the USDA mark of inspection. The product was produced on Dec. 13, 2001 and was distributed to a food service distributor in New Jersey.

"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from consumption of undercooked poultry, consumers may wish to ask if meals made with chicken contain the recalled product," said Margaret O’K. Glavin, acting FSIS administrator.

The problem was discovered after the company received a customer complaint. No illnesses or injuries associated with consumption of the product have been reported. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Carl Brakebush, company vice president, at (608) 296-2121.

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 information is available 24 hours a day.