Health Department warns public about raw chicken from Ruby's Pantry

 The health departments of Wisconsin and Minnesota are investigating at least four cases of salmonellosis affecting one Minnesota resident and three Wisconsin residents. All four of the patients received frozen breaded chicken products at a Ruby’s Pantry location before their illnesses.

Specifically, a raw breaded chicken product that may look fully cooked was distributed to Ruby’s Pantry patrons without cooking instructions or labels stating that the product was raw.

WTIP contacted a local Ruby’s Pantry representative who confirmed that a product like this was handed out at a recent Ruby’s Pantry distribution. The representative said that participants were told that the chicken products were breaded, but not cooked. However, the chicken products were not labeled with cooking instructions.

Anyone who received any unlabeled chicken products from any Ruby’s Pantry location is advised to either discard any remaining product or cook it to an internal temperature of 165oF. These products may be raw even if they appear cooked.

Ruby’s Pantry is fully cooperating with investigators and has voluntarily agreed to not distribute any unlabeled chicken products.
Raw chicken products can possibly be contaminated with Salmonella or other pathogens.

The Minnesota Department of Health advises the following safety tips for safe handling of any raw poultry:

• Wash hands and surfaces often when handling raw poultry.
• Separate raw meats and poultry from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate or freeze raw poultry promptly after purchasing.
• Cook all raw poultry to an internal temperature of 165oF.
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions provided on product packaging.
• Place cooked poultry on a clean plate or platter before serving.
• Report suspected food poisoning to your local health department.

Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella bacteria that are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pains, fever and vomiting that lasts for several days. Most people recover from salmonellosis on their own but may require extra fluids to prevent dehydration.

If you have consumed chicken from a Ruby’s Pantry and are experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis, contact your health care provider. Ill consumers in Wisconsin should also contact their local health department and ill Minnesotans should contact the Minnesota Department of Health.