This is one of those news items of a scope that almost boggles the mind: a recall of almost 2 million pounds of chicken.

Aspen Foods is recalling 1,978,680 pounds of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken products due to concerns about Salmonella contamination. A second recall announced today (Thursday, July 16, 2015) says Murry’s, Inc. is recalling 20,232 pounds of gluten-free breaded chicken nuggets.

Add those to the Barber Foods recall of about 1.7 million pounds of frozen chicken product, which was released in a July 13 press release from the Kane County Health Department, and we’re talking about 3.7 million pounds of product.

Aspen Foods Concerned About Salmonella

The Kane County Health Department is advising residents that Aspen Foods, a Division of Koch Poultry Company, a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,978,680 pounds of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken product that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.

The frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken items were produced between April 15, 2015 and July 10, 2015 with “best if used by” dates between July 14, 2016 and October 10, 2016. Click here to view a full list of recalled products.

The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “P-1358” inside the USDA mark of inspection. This product was shipped to retail stores and food service locations nationwide. Three Minnesota residents have reported to have been ill from the products, but no one in Illinois.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the organism.

The illness usually lasts four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

Murry’s Products Being Recalled Due to Possible Contamination

The Kane county Health Department is advising residents that Murry’s, Inc., a Lebanon, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,232 pounds of gluten-free breaded chicken nugget product that tested positive for Staphylococcal enterotoxin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced.

• 12-oz. boxes of “Bell & Evans Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets” with a “Best By” date of March 25, 2016.

The product, bearing establishment number “P-516” inside the USDA mark of inspection, was shipped to an establishment for distribution nationwide, however no illnesses have been reported.

Staphylococcal food poisoning is a gastrointestinal illness. It is caused by eating foods contaminated with toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium found on the skin and in the noses of healthy people and animals. Staphylococcus aureus can produce seven different toxins that are frequently responsible for food poisoning. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are fast acting, sometimes causing illness in as little as 30 minutes. Thoroughly cooking product does not prevent illness, and symptoms usually develop within one to six hours after eating contaminated food. Patients typically experience several of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. The illness is usually mild and most patients recover after one to three days.Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Murry’s Customer Service, at (800) 638-0215.