Foster Farms Salmonella Outbreak Update: New Cases Bring Total Numbers to 524

As of April 7, 2014, a total of 524 persons have reportedly been infected with Salmonella, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the Los Angeles Times, the newest cases were reported between late February and March 13. CDC says that 76% of the total number of infected persons is reportedly from California and that 37% of 524 Salmonella-infected individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, notes CDC.

Dr. Rob Tauxe, the CDC's deputy director of foodborne, waterborne and environmental diseases told NBC News, "As the new cases have been reported, almost all of them report eating chicken and almost all say it's Foster Farms."

In addition, Tauxe also said that fresh chicken parts, not frozen poultry, seem to be the culprit of the year-long Salmonella outbreak.

Though findings show that almost all infected individuals have consumed Foster Farms brand chickens, the company has not initiated a voluntary recall. The US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service has also not asked Foster Farms for a recall.

Foster Farms said in a statement released Wednesday:

"Since October 2013, Foster Farms has developed a multiple-hurdle approach to reduce or eliminate Salmonella at each stage of production -- from screening breeder flocks before entering the Foster Farms system, to farms where the birds are raised, to the plants where the chicken is processed as a whole bird and when it is cut into parts. As a result, the company has steadily reduced the prevalence of Salmonella at the parts level toward a goal of less than 10% -- well below the USDA-measured industry benchmark of 25%."

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, says CDC. "The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment," adds the website.

Guidelines and tips on how to prevent Salmonella infection can be found HERE.