Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 8/3/11

Cargill Inc. is confirming media reports that is has been contacted by the USDA for information that may be connected to an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg that has affected 77 people in 26 states.

The Minneapolis-based processor has not been identified by federal investigators as producing the frozen and raw turkey meat, and the USDA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have yet to launch a formal recall for any specific turkey products. The agencies say that the illnesses began being reported on or after March 9, 2011. One of the people believed to have eaten the tainted meat in Sacramento County, Calif., has died.

Cargill spokesman Mike Martin told Meatingplace this morning that the USDA requested “routine information about (Cargill’s) ground turkey production and we complied.” The USDA and CDC say they are continuing to work together to uncover the source of the outbreak and promise to release information as it becomes available.

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