Foster Farms, the firm linked to an outbreak of salmonella that has sickened over 300 people in the US, has apologised for any foodborne illness associated with its fresh chicken.

Three Foster Farms plants have been linked to seven outbreak strains of Salmonella, which to date, has infected 338 people across 20 states and Puerto Rico. Around 40% of those have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

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Last week, officials from the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, “validated” a safety plan recently put in place by the company. As a result, the three sites linked to the outbreak have been allowed to remain open.

In a statement last night, Foster Farms president Ron Foster apologised, in an open letter, for any foodborne illness associated with its fresh chicken.

“No illness is acceptable to us and that is why we have fully responded to the USDA and have new interventions in place that are sure to make Foster Farms one of the safest producers in the nation.

“We stand by our products with a 100% quality guarantee – we always have. If you have concerns about any Foster Farms products, please contact us. We have worked hard to earn your trust over nearly 75 years and we are doing everything we can to retain that trust.”

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According to the CDC, consumers had become ill from the outbreak between March and September. Illnesses that occurred after 1 September may not have been reported yet, it said.

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