The PA Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 31 people in four healthcare facilities is potentially linked to Tailor Cut Produce Fruit Mix, according to the FDA. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicates that that fruit mix, made with cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple, and grapes, is a potential source of the outbreak. Tailor Cut Produce says that their products may be found in restaurants, banquet facilities, hotels, schools, and institutional food service establishments in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
At least 31 people in southeast Pennsylvania are sick with Salmonella Javiana infections. The four healthcare facilities have not yet been named. But the FDA notice states, “Because this fruit mix may have been distributed to nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other facilities that cater to vulnerable populations, it is important that these facilities do not sell or serve this fruit medley.”
The outbreak was announced yesterday by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Salmonella Javiana has been identified among cases at three of the four facilities. The state reviewed invoices, and found that a common food eaten by many case patients is this fruit mix from Tailor Cut Produce. The FDA has activated a team to coordinate its outbreak investigation. The firm is going to work with the FDA to launch a recall of this product.
If you have been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection, you can contact food safety attorney Fred Pritzker for help by calling 1-888-377-8900.
Patients with Salmonella infections who are most likely to develop serious complications from a Salmonella food poisoning illness or any type of food poisoning include the elderly, the very young, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses. There is no word if any of the patients in this outbreak have been hospitalized. We do know that illness onset dates range from November 19 through November 30, 2019, but we don’t know the patient age range.
This outbreak may grow again since it takes a few weeks from when a person first starts feeling sick to diagnosis and reporting to the government.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include a fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Most people get sick within 12 to 72 hours after ingesting food that is contaminated with the pathogen. More severe cases of salmonellosis include a high fever, lethargy, and blood in the urine. Some people suffer from sepsis and dehydration. If you live in Pennsylvania and have been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor. You may be part of this PA Salmonella outbreak.
Why aren’t the specific customers of Taylor Cut Produce listed? It’s basic. How I am supposed to know whether one of my stores – WaWa – has pre cut apples from this place that may be a risk?
Good question! They sell to institutions, according to their site, so your purchases at a grocery store shouldn’t be affected. Their web site states that they serve: “restaurants, banquet facilities, hotels, schools and institutional food service establishments in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.” Still, keep an eye on recalls – or come back here every day because we publish all of them!