Convenience foods are on the suspect list today, as frozen chicken dinners and popular canned pasta have been recalled by their manufacturers due to an outbreak of Salmonella in the frozen dinner and a possibility of underprocessing of the meats in the pasta. .

Marie Callender’s frozen dinners

ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods is recalling Marie Callender’s brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals, 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.

The products subject to recall include: 13-ounce packages of “Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken & Rice White Meat Chicken and Broccoli over Rice Topped with Rich Cheddar Sauce.”

Each package bears a label with establishment number “P-45” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The establishment is recalling all the products listed above which are currently in commerce. These products were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact ConAgra Foods at 1-866-484-9610. Media questions regarding the recall should be directed to Teresa Paulsen, Vice President of Communications and External Relations at (402) 240-5210.

Uh-Oh, Spaghetti-O’s

Campbell Soup Supply Company is recalling approximately 15,000,000 pounds of “SpaghettiOs with Meatballs” canned products due to possible under-processing.

The following products are subject to recall:

• 14.75-ounce cans of “SpaghettiOs” with Meatballs, bearing the identifying product code “U5” on the bottom of the can.

• 14.75-ounce cans of “SpaghettiOs” A to Z with Meatballs, bearing the identifying product code “4N” on the bottom of the can.

• 14.75-ounce cans of “SpaghettiOs” Fun Shapes with Meatballs (Cars), bearing the identifying product code “KS” on the bottom of the can.

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST 4K,” as well as a “Use By” date between June 2010 and December 2011 ink-jetted on the bottom of each can. These products were manufactured between December 2008 and June 2010 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

The problem was discovered through a routine warehouse inspection by the company and its subsequent investigation. There have been no reports of illnesses from consumption of these products.

Consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to Campbell’s Hotline at (866) 495-3774; media inquiries should be directed to the company’s Director of Corporate Communications, Anthony Sanzio at (856) 968-4390.