Foster Farms chicken salmonella cases now in Missouri

The salmonella outbreak involving Foster Farms chicken had made its way to Missouri with five reported cases in the state.

Health officials are expecting even more cases, because the Centers for Disease Control believe the actual number could be five times higher.

More than 300 people across the country have reported becoming ill after eating Foster Farms chicken products.

The Centers for Disease Control say the bacteria causing the illness is multi-drug resistant, making it difficult to treat.

According to the CDC, products bearing “P6137,” “P6137A,” or “P7632” inside a USDA mark of inspection or elsewhere on the package contain the tainted raw chicken. There has been no recall.

Local health department officials say that salmonella poisoning is something that can be prevented through proper handling.

“It can easily be prevented through proper, good handling practices,” said Chris White with the Cole County Health Department.

These practices include washing your hands immediately after touching raw chicken.

“Use good hand washing in between different activities if you’re cooking with the chicken,” said White. “Wash your hands before you eat ready-to-eat foods like lettuce, tomatoes and other foods that aren’t going to be cooked to prevent cross contamination.”

The health department also recommends that you cook chicken until it is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds.