Washington-based Kapowsin Meats has issued an expanded recall for approximately 523,380 pounds of pork products because the meat may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
FSIS said it has intensified sampling at Kapowsin Meats while the company addressed sanitary conditions at their facility after the original recall on Aug. 13. Sampling revealed positive results for Salmonella on whole hogs for barbeque, associated pork products and throughout the establishment.
According to FSIS, the sanitary improvement efforts were insufficient which prompted an expanded recall to include all products associated with contaminated source material. The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “Est. 1628” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product was shipped to various individuals, retail locations, institutions, and distributors in Alaska, Oregon and Washington.
On July 15 the Washington State Department of Health notified FSIS of an investigation of illnesses. Working in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Health and CDC, FSIS determined there is a link between whole hogs for barbeque and pork products from Kapowsin Meats and these illnesses. Traceback investigation has identified 36 case-patients who consumed whole hogs for barbeque or pork products from this establishment prior to illness onset. These illnesses are part of a larger illness investigation. Based on epidemiological evidence, 152 case-patients have been identified in Washington with illness onset dates ranging from April 25 to Aug. 12.
The investigation into this outbreak is ongoing.
