The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “Est. 1628” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product was shipped to various individuals, retail locations, institutions and distributors in Alaska and Washington.
On July 15, the Washington State Dept. of Health notified FSIS of an investigation of Salmonella illnesses. After continuing the investigation in conjunction with the Washington State Dept. of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FSIS discovered a link between whole hogs from Kapowsin Meats and these illnesses. A traceback investigation has identified 32 patients who consumed meat from the company's whole hogs prior to illness onset.
The 32 documented illnesses are part of a larger illness investigation, according to FSIS. Based on epidemiological evidence, 134 case-patients have been identified in Washington with illness onset dates ranging from April 25 to July 29. FSIS continues to work with public health partners on this ongoing investigation. FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers.