Smiling Hara tempeh is the source of the Salmonella Paratyphi B outbreak that has sickened 46 people and hospitalized seven in North Carolina, officials announced today.
Laboratory tests have confirmed that the Salmonella in samples of Smiling Hara tempeh discovered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture during routine testing last week is a match to the outbreak strain. Testing of the raw ingredients used to make the tempeh is underway to determine the exact source of the outbreak. Results of those tests should be back next week.
The patients range in age from 4-79 years old with a median age of 34, according to Buncombe county health officials. Most of those who have been sickened, 60 percent, are female.
Earlier this week, Smiling Hara of Asheville, issued a recall of 12-ounce packages of tempeh manufactured between January 11 and April 11, 2012. But the recall has not stopped the spread of the the outbreak, officials said. They are urging people to use good handwashing practices to reduce person-to-person transmission.
Health officials have set up an information line at 828.250.5300 (English, Spanish and Russian).
To report symptoms of Salmonella Paratyphi B, call Communicable Disease Nurses at 828.250.5109.
