Inmates at a Tennessee jail have reportedly become sick after consuming a chicken product often known as "White Slime."
According to NBC News, at least nine inmates at the Bradley County Jail in Cleveland, Tenn., have been sickened by a salmonella strain found in the chicken product. Two inmates were reportedly hospitalized.
The "White Slime" is reportedly part of an outbreak that has affected several people in 13 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak is linked to chicken produced by Tyson Foods.
Last week, Tyson voluntarily recalled 33,840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken has been linked to a salmonella contamination at a Tennessee correctional facility. The recall products, produced on Oct. 11, 2013, include 40-lb. cases, containing four, 10-lb. chubs of "TYSON MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN".
NBC reported the USDA was notified about the outbreak in December. It's reportedly sicken a total of 19 people; two were later hospitalized.
White Slime is described as a "paste-like product made by forcing beef, pork, turkey or chicken through a sieve or other device to separate the bone from the edible meat tissue." It's often used for food like chicken nuggets and patties, according to NBC News. Some critics consider chicken, pork, lamb and turkey products as "white slime."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will not release which states have been affected until they've been confirmed to be a part of the outbreak.
Symptoms of Salmonella, include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of consuming the contaminated product. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. The illness usually last 4 to 7 days.
