Salmonella illnesses reported in 12 states

Salmonella illnesses reported in 12 states

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging consumers to thoroughly cook frozen chicken dinners after 32 people in 12 states were sickened with salmonella poisoning. It did not name the states.

The health warning cited frozen dishes in which the chicken is raw, but breaded or pre-browned, giving the appearance of being cooked. They include "chicken cordon bleu," "chicken Kiev," or chicken breasts stuffed with cheese, vegetables or other items.

USDA said many of the people who became ill apparently did not follow the package's cooking instructions and microwaved the chicken dishes even though the instructions did not provide for it. This didn't heat the meals enough to kill the salmonella.

The department said chicken products should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within eight to 72 hours.

Salmonella poisoning can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems such as infants and the elderly.