Products
Poultry FAQs
About Us
For more information, consumers may also contact Foster Farms at 800-338-8051.
On October 8, the USDA-FSIS issued a public health alert regarding higher incidences of Salmonella possibly linked to raw chicken. The FSIS reassured the public that: “Foster Farms chicken is safe to eat but as with all raw chicken, consumers must use proper preparation, handling and cooking practices.”
On October 10, the USDA approved our plans to implement additional processes and technology at our three California plants. We are actively working to reduce Salmonella incidence and we are already seeing signs that these steps are effectively lowering the incidence of Salmonella at our California facilities. We continue to work with the USDA and national food safety experts in ensuring that our products are safe and wholesome when properly handled and fully cooked. Our commitment to food safety is continuous.
No illness is acceptable to us and that is why we acted immediately to implement additional processes and technology, with the help of national experts, once we knew there was any concern. We are actively working to reduce Salmonella incidence and we are already seeing signs that these steps are effectively lowering the incidence of Salmonella at our California facilities. We continue to work with the USDA and national food safety experts in ensuring that our products are safe and wholesome when properly handled and fully cooked.
We are breaking the chain of Salmonella at every stage of production: from the ranch where the birds live, to the plant where the chicken is processed, to the product packaging line. We are implementing these processes in all of our facilities, including our plant in Farmerville, Louisiana. With these measures in place, we are confident that Foster Farms will come out stronger and with the safest, cleanest and most vigilant poultry plants in the country. We are holding ourselves to a higher standard.
No. The FSIS alert is limited to raw chicken and there is no recall in effect. The USDA and California Department of Public Health confirm that Foster Farms products are as safe as any other poultry product in the U.S. when properly handled and fully cooked. USDA-FSIS inspectors continue to inspect and approve the safety of Foster Farms chicken daily at each of our plants.
USDA-FSIS has publicly stated: “Foster Farms chicken is safe to eat but, as with all raw chicken, consumers must use proper preparation, handling and cooking practices.” USDA-FSIS inspectors continue to inspect and approve the safety of Foster Farms chicken daily at each of our plants. It is standard operating procedure at Foster Farms to sanitize each of its plants daily, 365 days a year. The process takes 4-to-6 hours. The plants cannot resume operation until USDA verifies them as sanitary on a daily basis.
We have the highest confidence in Foster Farms chicken and stand by our products with a 100 percent quality guarantee. All Foster Farms poultry products are safe and wholesome to consume when safe food handling and cooking practices are followed.
Because Salmonella is a naturally occurring bacteria in raw poultry, the USDA recognizes all raw poultry products may contain some level of bacteria. In fact, USDA has established certain Salmonella standards for different poultry processes.
Foster Farms consistently meets and performs better than the standards USDA has set, and our performance leads the industry.
The 25 percent number you have been reading about concerns chicken parts. There is currently no federal standard for Salmonella for processing of chicken parts. The USDA has indicated that the industry average is around 25 percent.
Even though the USDA has not established a performance standard for chicken parts, Foster Farms has committed to improving our processes in order to reach a 5 percent parts standard.
All Foster Farms poultry products are safe and wholesome to consume when safe food handling and cooking practices are followed. The product you have is safe and presents no risk when properly handled, stored and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. However, if you have concerns about any Foster Farms products you have purchased recently, please call us at 800-338-8051. Foster Farms promises a 100 percent quality guarantee – we always have.
Foster Farms regrets any instance in which illness may be associated with our products. Please consult with your doctor if you are experiencing medical issues. Please also call us at 800-338-8051.
Raw poultry is not a ready-to-eat product. Raw chicken, like all raw meats, can contain naturally occurring bacteria that are potentially harmful to human health. Whether the raw product is our brand or another, whether there is an alert or not, all raw chicken must be prepared following safe handling procedures, avoiding cross contamination, and must be fully cooked to 165 degrees to ensure safety. Foodborne bacteria, including Salmonella, are fully eliminated and present no risk with proper storage, handling and preparation. Visit www.fosterfarmsandnewmansown.net/cooking/safety.asp for more information.
