Cargill, international food producer giant, is voluntarily recalling more than 36 million pounds of turkey in United Stated because of the suspicion of food contamination with salmonella, which caused dozens of illness.

Health authorities suspect that the poultry could be contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg, which is responsible for one death and 79 other illnesses in California. Cargill on the other hand says that the ground turkey was produced in Springdale Ark facility from February 20 to August 2 and the Canadian division produces only beef and chicken, Cargill does not import any turkey products to Canada. Production of Springdale plant has been put to halt.

The packages that have been recalled have the code “Est. P-963". The packages were shipped under various brand names.

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps within 72 hours of infection. The disease is not a threat to most of people but people with weak immune system can be affected to a great extent. The contaminated turkey can be safe to eat if cooked properly at 74 C/165 F. But hands should be washed properly after touching raw turkey.