Chamberlain Farm Produce, Inc. of Owensville, Indiana is recalling all of its cantaloupes from the 2012 growing season that may remain in the marketplace. Some of the cantaloupes may be contaminated with Salmonella. The cantaloupes may be associated with the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that is currently affecting people in 21 states. "This recall should have happened as soon as there was any indication that cantaloupes grown by Chamberlain Farm Produce caused illness," said attorney Fred Pritzker, who recently won $4.5 million for one of his clients who was sickened by contaminated food. Pritzker represents Salmonella food poisoning victims throughout the United States. The FDA says that during the period of June 21, 2012 to August 16, 2012, Chamberlain Farm Product sold … [Read more...]
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Linked to Cantaloupe Grows
The multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to cantaloupes has grown, according to the CDC. Now 178 people are sick with the outbreak strain. Sixty-two people have been hospitalized and two people in Kentucky have died. Chamberlain Farms Produce of Owensville Indiana has been named as being "one source" of the cantaloupes, according to the FDA. That farm has recalled their melons for the 2012 growing season. The case count is as follows: Alabama (13), Arkansas (3), California (2), Georgia (3), Illinois (21), Indiana (18), Iowa (7), Kentucky (56), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (6), Minnesota (4), Mississippi (5), Missouri (12), New Jersey (2), North Carolina (3), Ohio (4), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (6), Texas (2), and Wisconsin (4). The CDC says that … [Read more...]
Three Outbreaks Linked to Cantaloupe in Last 19 Months
As we wait for more information about the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to cantaloupes grown in Indiana, let's look back at the outbreaks caused by this fruit in the 19 months. In 2011 and 2012, there have been three outbreaks of foodborne illness linked to cantaloupe. This fruit is more likely to be contaminated because the thick webbed skin provides lots of places for bacteria to hide, and because the fruit lies directly on the ground while it is growing. Animals, contaminated irrigation water, improper handling, and unsanitary conditions on the farm and in packing sheds can contaminate the fruit. In fact, according to the FDA, from 1996 to 2008, there were 10 nationwide outbreaks linked to melons that caused 507 illnesses and two deaths. In the spring of 2011, 20 people … [Read more...]
CDC Announcement of Salmonella Cantaloupe Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially announced the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to cantaloupes grown in Indiana.The announcement comes over a month after people began getting sick from the melons. "Every effort should be made to quickly determine the source of a Salmonella outbreak, and when a likely source is found, state and federal health officials should immediately alert the public," said Fred Pritzker, national Salmonella lawyer and food safety advocate. "The primary goal should be prevention of illness." So far, 141 people are ill in 20 states; 31 are hospitalized, and two people in Kentucky have died. The case count by state is: Alabama (7), Arkansas (3), California (2), Georgia (1), Illinois (17), Indiana (13), Iowa (7), … [Read more...]
Vibrio in Shellfish Sicken 30 in Washington State
According to the Washington State Department of Health, Vibrio in shellfish have caused 30 confirmed illnesses in Washington this summer. The presence of the bacteria has closed three commercial growing areas, including Totten Inlet near Olympic, North Bay, and Dabob Bay in north Hood Canal for the rest of the summer. Vibriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus, is caused by eating raw or undercooked oysters. Despite the typical recommendation of cooking shellfish until they open, that is not enough to destroy Vibrio. To be safe, shellfish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F for 15 seconds. In addition, rinsing cooked oysters in seawater can re-contaminate them. And, some pathogens can't be "cooked out" of shellfish. Some biotoxins can … [Read more...]
Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois Hit Hard in Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak
The states of Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana have been hit hard in the latest outbreak of Salmonella linked to contaminated cantaloupe. The outbreak has sickened at least 141 people in 20 states and hospitalized 31. “It is mind boggling how cantaloupe growers continue to ignore basic food safety measures that can prevent their cantaloupe from being contaminated with Salmonella and other dangerous pathogens,” said Fred Pritzker, a national food safety attorney who has won millions for his clients, including $4.5 million for one client this year. The Kentucky Department of Public Health says that the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, which has sickened at least 50 Kentuckians and has been associated with two deaths in the state, began in early July. Public health officials are … [Read more...]
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella from Indiana Cantaloupes; Deaths in Kentucky
There has been another outbreak linked to contaminated cantaloupes. The FDA announced today that 141 people have been sickened with Salmonella Typhimurium in 20 states. Thirty one people have been hospitalized, and two people in Kentucky have died. The case count is as follows: 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), and Wisconsin (2). Public health officials in Kentucky and Indiana have discovered cantaloupes grown in southwestern Indiana may be the source of the outbreak. The investigation is in the early stages. A state laboratory in Kentucky … [Read more...]
Denver Rescue Mission Outbreak Allegedly Caused by Improper Food Handling
The Denver Department of Environmental Health has found that the outbreak at the Denver Rescue Mission last month was caused by improper food temperatures and hygienic practices. The outbreak, which began on July 22, 2012, sickened at least 60 people. Denver Environmental Health (DEH) food safety investigators and Denver Public Health (DPH) Epidemiological staff investigated the outbreak. They observed and inspected the Denver Rescue Mission's facilities, interviewed patients and those who did not become ill, and conducted lab tests. The source of the outbreak was Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on smoked turkey. The turkey was insufficiently cooled and re-heated, and proper hygiene practices were not followed. Abby Davidson, Environmental Public Health Food Supervisor, said, "we have … [Read more...]
Salmonella Outbreak Among Irish Festival Attendees in Tennessee
Woody McMillin of the Tennessee Department of Health told Food Poisoning Bulletin that they are investigating an outbreak of illness among people who have attended the Irish Festival in Erin. At least 50 people have become ill. Lab reports have indicated that some of the patients have tested positive for Salmonella enterica. Mr. McMillin added that "we have also heard from many people who attended the festival who did not become sick, and as part of our investigation we are working to complete interviews with them." The Festival, which is held every year at the end of July, is usually attended by about 20,000 people. The event benefits St. Patrick's School in McEwen, Tennessee. The attendees start getting sick a few days after the event picnic. The Health Department is testing food … [Read more...]
Cargill Ground Beef Salmonella Outbreak Updated
An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis caused by Cargill ground beef has now sickened 40 people in eight states, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That's an increase of seven since the outbreak was announced on July 26, 2012. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, the CDC, Vermont Department of Health, New York State Department of Health, and New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets has linked five of the cases to the ground beef products produced by Cargill based on epidemiologic and traceback investigations as well as in-store reviews. The number of ill persons in each states is as follows: Maine (1), Massachusetts (3), New Hampshire (2), New York (18), Rhode Island (2), Vermont (11), Virginia (2), and West Virginia (1). The new state in the … [Read more...]
