Consumers warned to cook frozen poultry properly by FSA

Consumers have been told by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to read cooking instructions properly and ensure frozen poultry products are cooked through. 
Between January 2020 and May 2021 there have been 511 cases of Salmonellosis in the UK caused by two strains of Salmonella Enteritidis and linked to consumption of frozen, raw, breaded chicken products.
Authorities in Poland, where the products are imported from, and UK retailers have taken action to reduce the risk from these products and issue recalls on several occasions.
Narriman Looch, Head of Animal Feed and Foodborne Disease Control Branch said: “It’s important to understand that frozen chicken products often contain raw chicken, even though they may look pre-cooked on the outside. While additional measures have been put in place by food businesses to improve the safety of these products, consumers need to handle these products as they should other raw meat products. Cooking food at the right temperature and for the right amount of time will kill any Salmonella bacteria that may be in food. Therefore, we are urging consumers to follow cooking instructions for these products to protect themselves and their families.”