WASHINGTON – The US Dept. of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Empire Kosher Poultry Inc. issued a public health alert on Aug. 24 over concerns that products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Empire Kosher produced and sold items including whole raw chicken and raw chicken parts between Sept. 2017 and June 2018.

FSIS was notified on June 18 of multiple Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illnesses within the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Based on the available epidemiological information, many patients have been identified in that area of the country. FSIS also stated that approximately half of affected patients had been hospitalized due to this health issue.

The agency is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to handle properly, prepare and cook these raw chicken products.

FSIS said in its release that it is continuing the investigation, working with the company and public health officials and will provide updated information when it is available.