Officials: Kosher chicken liver sickens 56

Fifty-six people have been sickened in New York City after consuming salmonella-tainted kosher chicken liver products, which were also sold in parts of Long Island, health authorities said Wednesday.

City health officials announced Alle Processing Corp., in Maspeth, Queens, is recalling its MealMart brand broiled chicken livers.

No illnesses were reported on Long Island, local health officials said. But at least 12 people in the city were hospitalized.

The recall came after a lengthy probe dating back to February -- linking illnesses through this month -- to a single bacterial DNA fingerprint in each case. Authorities identified the bacterial strain as salmonella Heidelberg.

Everyone sickened consumed broiled or chopped chicken liver.

Mordechai Milworn, Alle's quality control manager, said the livers were shipped partially broiled in 10-pound packages to large retailers. Those establishments sold it as is or chopped it, he said.

"All chicken prepared for Orthodox Jewish consumption must be broiled, according to Jewish law," Milworn said. "These particular 10-pound boxes are sent with instructions on the box saying that these are not fully cooked livers."