Triple T Meats, an Ackley, Iowa processor, has issued a statement regarding a Salmonella outbreak centered on chicken salad produced by the processor and sold at Fareway stores. Approximately 265 people have been sickened in the outbreak, and one person has died.

The statement reads as follows:

“On behalf of the Heikens family and everyone at Triple T Specialty Meats, our deepest sympathy goes out to the individuals and families affected by the recent Fareway Chicken Salad incident. During our 22 years in business at Triple T Specialty Meats, consumer health and food safety has always been our number one priority; and will always be our number one priority!

“After a thorough investigation and extensive testing by state of Iowa, USDA and FDA inspection teams, no Salmonella was found at the Triple T Specialty Meats facility in Ackley. Further, no Salmonella was found in any products tested at the Triple T Specialty Meats facility. Finally, all chicken salad produced by Triple T Specialty Meats; that remained in the original sealed packaging, tested negative for Salmonella.

“’We take this very seriously and will continue to work with all government agencies to assist in determining the source of the Salmonella,’ said Jolene Heikens, Co-Owner and CEO of Triple T Specialty Meats. ‘In the meantime, Triple T Specialty Meats is running business as usual and we appreciate our customer’s and the communities continued support. We will continue to provide only the highest quality product and services meeting all USDA and FDA regulations,’

“All agency inspector’s reports showing “No Salmonella Found” have been provided to Triple T Specialty Meats and will be made available to customers or vendors upon request.”

The outbreak lasted from January 8 through March 20, reports ABC news. A woman in eastern Iowa who died was not able to be interviewed about what she ate, but she did die of the same strain of Salmonella identified in the chicken salad outbreak.

Source: Triple T Meats, ABC News