The Franconia plant operated by US poultry producer Pilgrim’s Pride is to remain closed pending the completion of an investigation by the USDA.
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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been investigating the link between the plant and a listeria outbreak that caused seven fatalities in the northeastern US.
“The plant involved will remain closed until our investigation is complete and appropriate corrective actions in that facility have been taken to protect the public health,” Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman was reported as saying by Reuters.
It has also emerged that nearly two million pounds of turkey meat included in the Pilgrim’s Pride recall had been distributed to US schools and state agencies.
“All state agencies and recipients have been instructed to discontinue the distribution of these products pending their return to Pilgrim’s Pride under the recall,” the USDA said.
Exactly how much of the recalled Wampler brand meat has been consumed remains undetermined.
