WASHINGTON—ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC, a Council Bluffs, Iowa establishment is recalling Marie Callender’s brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced last week.

The company is recalling all Marie Callender’s brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals in commerce, regardless of production date. These products are being recalled after the company was informed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of an investigation involving 29 people in 14 states who have been diagnosed with salmonellosis linked to Salmonella serotype Chester. Eight of the case-patients specifically reported eating this product in April and May, 2010, prior to illness onset; the last reported illness was reported on May 22.

FSIS became aware of the problem during the course of an ongoing investigation of a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella serotype Chester illnesses. CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FSIS, and state health and agriculture departments are cooperating in this ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and has not yet definitively identified a food vehicle(s). Further information will be released to the public as it becomes available.

This product was shipped nationwide.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact ConAgra Foods at 1-866-484-9610.