Ground Turkey Nationwide Contaminated With Fecal Bacteria: Report

A new study by Consumer Reports revealed that more than half of ground turkey purchased from grocery stores nationwide is contaminated with fecal bacteria.

The lab analysis conducted by the magazine showed that 69 percent of the turkey meat sampled contained Enterococcus and 60 percent showed E.coli, the Huffington Post reports. Both strains of bacteria are associated with fecal contamination. Some of the meat was also laden with salmonella and staphylococcus aureus, which are both known to cause foodbourne illness.

The National Turkey Federation says Consumer Reports chose to “sensationalize findings and mislead people,", the Wall Street Journal reports. Among several comments made to defend the turkey industry, the NFT said that while Enteroccus and E.coli were found in the meat, they are not considered sources of foodbourne illness. Read more from the NFT on the Wall Street Journal’s website.