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In line with the weekly update regarding recent consumer related recalls, I wanted to alert the readers of this blog to three relatively recent widespread Salmonella outbreaks. While you can follow the individual links for additional information, the CDC and FDA generally recommend that when it comes to food borne illness, “when in doubt, throw it out.”
Multistate Outbreak Salmonella Typhimurium Potentially Related to Cantaloupe
Following an investigation by state officials in Kentucky and Indiana, a massive outbreak of a strain of Salmonella has been traced back to a farm in southwestern Indiana. As such, the distributors of the farm have been contacted, and the farm has agreed to cease distributing cantaloupes for the rest of the growing season.
A total of 141 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 20 states. Illnesses have been reported in the following states, with the number of affected persons appearing in parenthesis:
- Alabama (7)
- Arkansas (3)
- California (2)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (17)
- Indiana (13)
- Iowa (7)
- Kentucky (50)
- Michigan (6)
- Minnesota (3)
- Missouri (9)
- Mississippi (2)
- New Jersey (1)
- North Carolina (3)
- Ohio (3)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (3)
- Tennessee (6)
- Texas (1)
- Wisconsin (2)
So far 31 people have been hospitalized in relation to the outbreak, and two deaths have been reported in Kentucky.
In the course of their investigation, state officials in Kentucky and Indiana found evidence that they believe indicate cantaloupes grown in southwestern Indiana may be a source of the ongoing Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. FDA officials are actively investigating potential sources of the outbreak, and will continue to update the public as more specific information becomes available. You can find additional information regarding the cantaloupe recall here.
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Linked to Ground Beef
Following the collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies, authorities believe that a massive outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis in ground beef can be traced to Cargill Meat Solutions, at a single production facility as the likely source of this outbreak.
On July 22, 2012, Cargill Meat Solutions recalled 29,339 pounds of fresh ground beef products related to this investigation.
A total of 40 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis, and have been reported from 8 states.The number of ill people identified in each state is as follows:
- Maine (1)
- Massachusetts (3)
- New Hampshire (2)
- New York (18)
- Rhode Island (2)
- Vermont (11)
- Virginia (2)
- West Virginia (1)
So far, eleven sick people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. For additional information regarding the ground beef recall, click here.
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Hadar Linked to Live Poultry
The CDC has been collaborating with public health and agriculture officials in many states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Poultry Improvement Plan, and Veterinary Services in order to investigate an outbreak of human Salmonella Hadar infections linked to chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry from Hatchery B in Idaho.
A total of 37 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Hadar have been reported from 11 states. The number of ill people identified in each state is as follows:
- Arizona (2)
- California (1)
- Colorado (3)
- Idaho (5)
- Illinois (2)
- Oregon (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (1)
- Utah (5)
- Washington (9)
- Wyoming (2)
Thus far, 8 infected people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Mail-order hatcheries, agricultural feed stores, and others that sell or display chicks, ducklings, and other live poultry are those most likely sources of chicks affected by this outbreak. You can find additional information regarding the poultry outbreak here.
What to do if You or a Loved One Have Been Affected by a Recalled Product
If you or a loved one has become sick, injured or you have sustained property damage as a result of a recalled product, you may be entitled to compensation. Manufacturers are responsible for the damages that their defective products cause. Potential damages may include things such as medical bills, property damage, and awards for pain and suffering. You should contact an experienced products liability attorney today to discuss your potential legal claims.
