Thread by @propublica

THREAD: What happened when @propublica staffers used our new database to look up where their raw chicken/turkey came from?

(It also shows how often high-risk strains of salmonella were found at each processing plant)

What they found isn’t for the faint of stomach.

First up...

Who:
@schwanksta, who runs the team that produced the database

What:
Ground turkey

Purchased at:
@Wegmans in Brooklyn, NY.

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 17.5% of samples at the processing facility.

“But I made meatballs!” Ken exclaims.

Who:
@jeremykohler, reporter

What:
Chicken breast

Purchased at:
@AldiUSA University City, MO

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 3.4% of samples at the processing facility.

Chicken was fashioned into delicious-looking chicken parm.

“Hope I don’t poison anyone,” Jeremy says.

Who:
@HannahFresques, deputy data editor

What:
Ground turkey

Found at:
Grocer in Manhattan, NYC

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 21.7% of samples at the processing facility.

You’re probably wondering why ground turkey seems to show higher rates of Salmonella. Here’s why:

Ground poultry products are especially prone to salmonella contamination because:

-meat from multiple birds increases chance of cross-contamination

-the fine-textured meat can get caught in equipment

Moving on...

propub.li/3jLMM9F

Who:
@MichaelGrabell, a lead reporter on this project

What:
Chicken breasts

Purchased at:
@StopandShop

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 5.4% of samples at the processing facility.

In this case, this store-brand chicken actually had “better” records than name-brand items.

Who:
@ariana_tobin, crowdsourcing editor

What:
Chicken breast

Found at:
Food Garden Market, BK NYC

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 1.8 % of samples at the processing facility.

“I haven’t eaten chicken in 20 years and I am feeling fantastic about that right now,” Ariana says

Who:
@irenatfh, data reporter

What:
Individually wrapped boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Purchased at:
@Publix in Atlanta, GA

High-risk salmonella:
None found on the chicken parts at this plant.

“Phew,” says Irena. “This app is seriously useful for a shopper like me!”

So, what’s the deal with Salmonella?

It hospitalizes and kills more people in the U.S. than any other foodborne pathogen. Each year we see:
~1.35 million illnesses
26,500 hospitalizations
>400 deaths

While most recover, some are left with long-term conditions...

Who:
@marilynt2004, senior editor

What:
Chicken thighs

Purchased at:
@Safeway, D.C.

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 3.4% of samples at the processing facility.

“But I feel good about the results!” Marilyn says.

Who:
@mtigas

What:
Organic chicken breast

Purchased at:
Pete’s Fresh Market, Wheaton, IL

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 21.1% of samples at the processing facility.

“Took care to cook it well, added some BBQ sauce. I’m still alive."

Glad you brought that up, Mike...

Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees will kill salmonella.

But studies by the @USDA and others have found that home cooks routinely cross-contaminate their kitchens, and few have Mike’s good sense to use a meat thermometer.

propub.li/3jLMM9F

Who:
@ashnguuu, news app developer who worked on Chicken Checker

What:
Ground @norbest_turkey

Purchased at:
@GroceryOutlet Bargain Market in the Bay Area

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 21.8% of samples at the processing facility.

Who:
@CarsonKessler, reporter

What:
Certified humane boneless chicken breast

Purchased at:
@fifteentwenty11, a grocery delivery service in NYC

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 9.1% of samples at the processing facility.

Who:
@karimdoumar, audience team

What:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Purchased at:
@Costco in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 6.6% of samples at the processing facility.

Who:
@markolalde, environment reporter, southwest

What:
Humane boneless skinless chicken breasts

Purchased at:
@safeway in Phoenix, AZ

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 4.3% of samples at the processing facility.

Who:
@condorgoodwing, events

What:
Organic chicken thighs

Purchased at:
Gourmet Garden Market in Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 1.8% of samples at the processing facility.

Who:
@tealtan

What:
Ground turkey

Purchased at:
Halsey Traders Market, Brooklyn

High-risk salmonella:
Found in 21.7% of samples at the processing facility.

If these percentages seem high, it’s b/c the @USDA can’t stop companies from selling salmonella-tainted meat to you.

For example:

Salmonella infantis, a risky and multidrug-resistant strain, has sickened tens of thousands.

But even when people get sick, the @USDA doesn’t have the power to order a recall.

propub.li/3jLMM9F

Wanna look up your own chicken?

Use the form at the bottom to tell us about it. (We’re investigating shipping lines.)

Proceed at your own peril:

propublica.org/chicken

More info:

Testing data spans June 28, 2020 to June 26, 2021, and is from the @USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

We defined “High-risk” salmonella as the 30 types that are most often associated with human illness, according to the CDC.

Last week, after repeated interview requests from us and years of criticism, @USDA announced it’s rethinking its salmonella approach.

The agency didn’t announce any concrete changes but said it would set up pilot projects and hold meetings to come up with a plan.

Our next big investigation might not churn your stomach — but it'll probably surprise you just the same.

Bon appétit: propub.li/3mpGdeF