WASHINGTON – The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert because of illnesses caused by Salmonella that may be associated with raw, frozen, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken entrees.

The alert was issued after an investigation and testing by the Minnesota departments of health and agriculture found a link between products such as chicken cordon bleu and illnesses in 12 states.

Though the products were labeled as uncooked and did not have microwave instructions, individuals who became ill did not follow the instructions and used a microwave to cook the product.

Frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products covered by this alert and similar products, may be stuffed or filled, breaded or browned and therefore appear to be cooked. These items may be labeled "chicken cordon bleu," "chicken kiev" or chicken breast stuffed with cheese, vegetables or other items.

Source: Food Safety and Inspection Service