Salmonella Linked to Turkey Jerky Sickens 4 in Minnesota

Four cases of Salmonella infection have been linked to turkey jerky produced by a Minnesota company.  The Minnesota Department of Health is warning consumers not to eat whole-muscle turkey jerky manufactured by Hoffman Town & Country Meat Market because investigators have linked the product to a cluster of 4 illnesses from the same strain of Salmonella.  The first patient became ill August 2 and the last illness onset was August 7, according to MDH.  One of the victims was hospitalized but all have since recovered.  All 4 victims reported eating turkey jerky during the week before becoming ill.  Of those sickened, 1 lives in the Twin Cities metro area and 3 live in Greater Minnesota.  Hoffman Town & Country has issued a voluntary recall of all whole muscle turkey jerky sold on or before August 21, 2012. The product was sold wrapped in white butcher paper.  Consumers who purchased the recalled product and have not yet consumed it are urged not to eat it and to return it for a full refund.  Those with questions about the recall can call the company at 218-847-72-7.  Symptoms of Salmonella infection appear anywhere from several hours to 3 days after infection and include fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, head ache and body aches.  If you think you may have contracted a Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider.