Tests on cucumbers linked to the recently ended Salmonella outbreak indicated that they were contaminated with a high level of the pathogen which may have increased their ability to cross-contaminate other foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak sickened 907 people in 40 states from July 2015 to March 2016. In September, the outbreak was linked to cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed in the U.S. by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce in California. After the link was established, a recall was issued and the FDA issued an import ban on cucumbers from the implicated farm. Because cucumbers have a short shelf life, those actions should have brought about an end to the outbreak. But it kept going. "The number of reported illnesses did … [Read more...]
Largest Multistate Food Poisoning Outbreaks 2015: #1 Cucumber Salmonella
A cucumber Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 838 people in 38 states was the largest multistate food poisoning outbreak of 2015. The outbreak, which began in July, is still ongoing but has tapered off since reaching its peak in August. One hundred and sixty five people were so sick they required hospitalization Four of them died. About 50 percent of all of case patients were children under 18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have identified cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce. Two cucumber recalls have been issued. The first, on September 4, 2015, by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce for cucumbers sold under the “Limited Edition” brand label during the … [Read more...]
Where Are Banned, Salmonella Contaminated Cucumbers Being Sold?
Imported cucumbers identified as the source of a Salmonella outbreak were supposed to have been barred from entering this country two months ago, but people are still getting sick. How? Cucumbers have a shelf a life of about two weeks and symptoms of a Salmonella infection usually appear within six to 72 hours of exposure. Yet, people sickened by the three outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona have reported onset of illness as recently as early November. Despite two recalls and two import alerts essentially banning cucumbers from the farm in question, is the tainted produce somehow still on the market? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Thursday that 838 people in 38 states have been sickened, 165 have been hospitalized, four have died. Since the last … [Read more...]
Salmonella in Cucumbers Sickens 37 in Minnesota
A 35-state cucumber Salmonella outbreak includes 37 cases in Minnesota where some of those sickened ate at Red Lobster restaurants. The outbreak, which has been linked to cucumbers grown in Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson, includes 732 people, 150 of whom have been hospitalized. Four people have died. About 50 percent of the case patients are children under 18, an age group that is at high risk for food poisoning and for serious complications of foodborne infections. Anyone who has eaten cucumbers and has suffered the symptoms of a Salmonella infection, should see a doctor. Because the outbreak strain of Salmonella Poona is not resistant to antibiotics, it will respond to treatment that can help alleviate symptoms and clear the infection. And tests on a stool … [Read more...]
Fourth Person Dies in Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak
A fourth person has died in the Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers distributed nationwide by Andrew & Williamson. The fatalities were reported from Oklahoma, Arizona, California, and Texas. There are now 732 people in 35 states who have been sickened, 150 of them have been hospitalized. That 28 percent hospitalization rate is higher than the average 20 percent. That could be because 50 percent of the case patients are children under 18, an age group that is at high risk for food poisoning and for serious complications of foodborne infections. If you ate cucumbers and have suffered the symptoms of a Salmonella infection, see your doctor. Treatment can help alleviate symptoms and clear the infection. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Poona is not resistant to antibiotics. … [Read more...]
Idaho Unaware of Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak, Health Officials
Most people in Idaho are unaware that the state is part of the deadly Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers that has sickened 558 people in 33 states, state health officials worry. Twenty-one Idaho residents have been diagnosed with salmonellosis from contaminated cucumbers. Three strains of Salmonella Poona have been identified with this outbreak. The 21 case patients, who range in age from 2 to 86, became ill between Aug. 3rd and Sept. 7. Three of them were hospitalized but have recovered. “We are concerned that not all Idahoans are aware of the recall and may have recently eaten or still have cucumbers involved with the outbreak in their homes,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho Public Health medical director wrote in entry of the health department's blog. “If anyone has eaten … [Read more...]
