Three New Hampshire residents are part of the multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to Cargill ground beef sold at Hannaford grocery stores, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. (NHDHHS). More than 30 people in seven states contracted Salmonella poisoning after eating ground beef processed May 25 by Cargill Meat Solutions of Wyalusing, Pa.
The meat was distributed throughout the Northeast. At Hannaford grocery stores, the 85/15%” mixture was sold in packages labeled with “sell by” dates from May 25 – May 28. By the time lab tests confirmed that the meat was the source of the outbreak, it was no longer on store shelves but a recall was issued because health officials were concerned that some consumers may have some of the meat in their freezers.
An infection called salmonellosis can result from eating food that is contaminated with Salmonella. Symptoms of this infection include, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps which usually develop within six to 72 hours of ingestion. Salmonellosis can be be life-threatening. Those most at risk include young children, seniors, and people with compromised immune systems.
“Contaminated food is always concerning,” Dr. José Montero, Director of NHDHHS, said in a statement. “But since we cannot always know if a food is contaminated or not, it is very important that it be handled correctly. All ground beef should be cooked until the internal temperature is 160°F or greater using a food thermometer. People should take care not to cross-contaminate while cooking either, which means make sure to wash hands often, wash utensils that come in contact with raw meats or something else before using , and make sure meat juices to not come in contact with other foods.”
Thirty three people in seven states have been sickened by the contaminated ground beef, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By state the case count is: Maine (1), Massachusetts (3), New Hampshire (2), New York (14), Rhode Island (1), Virginia (2), and Vermont (10). The CDC has two cases listed for New Hampshire, but the state reports that there have been three illnesses.
