Idaho Salmonella Cases Possibly Linked to Banquet Pot Pies

By J. Gelband, 10-10-07

I only eat chicken if it is hidden or disguised. I know, it’s kind of juvenile to be a finicky eater, but I just can’t stomach looking at meat, especially if I have to eat it.

I like General Tso chicken because it is hidden beneath gobs of fry and sauce. I like chicken burritos because they, too, cloak the meat. This is also why I love flaky, creamy, covered chicken pot pies.

But there is bad news in the chicken pot pie arena today. Eight Salmonella infections reported in southern Idaho might be related to frozen store-bought pot pies containing poultry meat. 

Banquetturkey and chicken pot pies or the generic store-brand name (including Great Value brand sold at Wal-Mart) with a code number “P-9” on the side of the box are the specific pies in question. Consumers shouldn’t eat them.

The pot pie problem reaches beyond southern Idaho; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 137 Salmonella illnesses in 30 states possibly linked to the poultry pot pies.

According to the company, it believes the issue is likely related to consumer undercooking of the product and it reminds consumers that these products are not ready-to-eat pies.

Stores are pulling the pies from the shelves while the federal Food Safety and Inspection Service investigates the source of contamination at the Missouri production plant.