Author: Tony Coveny, Ph.D

Two Minnesota Burger King Outlets, located in  Bemidji, have been shut down after Salmonella Bacteria sickened 31 in Minnesota Burger King Salmonella Outbreak The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed that Burger King shut down two of its outlets in the aftermath of a Salmonella outbreak that sickened at least twenty-seven patrons – there are another four likely cases and many more potential victims’ illnesses may have gone unreported or were not confirmed by serotyping.  The outbreak, a rare one for Burger King, prompted quick action by the company, which is cooperating with investigators to determine the source of…

Washington and Oregon Salmonella Outbreak: Health Officials Identify Eighteen Victims Sickened by Consuming Pre-Cut Fruit At least eighteen residents of Washington and Oregon have contracted Salmonella from consuming pre-cut fruit purchased at such regional grocers as Fred Meyer, QFC, Rosauers and Central Market.   The state and local health agencies have traced the illnesses to pre-cut watermelon, cantaloupe and fruit mixes containing those fruits, possibly among others. The pre-cut fruit was sold from Oct. 25th to Dec. 1st, but has been removed from store shelves – according to Oregon Health Authority spokesperson Jonathan Modie, any fruit still on hand should be…

1800 Employees Exposed to Salmonella Tainted Food in Toyo Tire Salmonella Outbreak Between Nov. 14th and 15th According to Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District officials, as many as 1800 employees were exposed to food tainted with Salmonella in the Toyo Tire Salmonella Outbreak Between Nov. 14th and 15th.  According to Logan Boss, Public Information Officer of the Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, the pre-Thanksgiving Toyo Tire Salmonella outbreak in White, Georgia sickened at least several dozen people, and led to at least 5 hospitalizations. Boss listed the primary symptoms of the Toyo Tire Salmonella Outbreak…

According to officials at the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the recent outbreak of salmonella that sickened at least 158 people in Caldwell Parish was caused by jambalaya that was served at the fundraiser. Testing on the food confirmed it was the source, though the particular ingredient that contaminated the jambalaya remains a mystery.: According to officials at the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the recent outbreak of salmonella that sickened at least 158 people in Caldwell Parish was caused by jambalaya that was served at the fundraiser. Testing on the food confirmed it was the source, though the particular ingredient that contaminated the jambalaya remains a mystery.

 300 Marines Sickened in  at Marine Corps Recruit Depot E. Coli Outbreak in San Diego. The Department of Justice has just confirmed that 300 Marines were likely sickened in an E. Coli outbreak at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) located in San Diego, California, and at Edson Range on Camp Pendleton.  According to local reports, at least 300 of the 5,500 recruits currently in training at MCRD have become ill from ingestion of E. Coli bacteria.  The most recent report indicates that at least 14 of the recruits have developed serious complications -one such complication that can be life-threatening is The Marine Corps says…

Relish Foods Tuna Linked to Salmonella Outbreak: 30 Victims in 7 States Relish Foods Tuna has been linked to an outbreak of salmonella paratyphi. Clark County Health Department in Washington first noted the outbreak when five individuals were reported to have acquired salmonella on the same day in late August, 2017. Given that there  are usually less than 10 cases in a month’s time, an investigation was opened.  According to Madison Riethman, of Clark County Public Health in Washington: The fact that we got five in one day was a big red flag As the cases continued to report, interviews were conducted with…

Caldwell Parish Food-Poisoning Sickens 160:  Jambalaya Believed to be at the Center of the Outbreak Approximately 160 victims have been identified in an outbreak linked to jambalaya served at a softball fundraiser 3 in Columbia, situated in Caldwell Parish.  According to authorities, including the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the outbreak has been linked to salmonella and Clostridium perfringens.  As of today, many of the samples of the chicken and sausage jambalaya have tested positive for salmonella. The jambalaya was served to guests at a softball team fundraiser. It is believed that as many as 300 patrons ate the…

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Salmonella Outbreak Sickens More than 180 An innocent chili cook-off at the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company has been linked to at least 180 Salmonella Javiana illnesses, following identification of the pathogen by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.  The fire located in in Chincoteague, Virginia, as are many of the victims – but there are also victims from 9 other states, speaking to the reach of the event.  According to local reports, the source of the Salmonella Javiana is believed to be Crab Shack Clam chowder. The chili was served to hundreds on September 30, 2017.…

Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation Salmonella Outbreak Sickens More Than A Dozen  At least four staff members are among the 15 victims in the Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation Salmonella Outbreak.  The facility, which is licensed to house 139 residents, was located at 1601 St. Louis Ave. on Park Point The salmonella has been traced, according to Doug Schultz of the Minnesota Department of Health, to poor sanitation.  The problem is likely contaminated hands of staff or residents, according to department reports.   Bayshore administrator David Uselman said he believed the bacteria originated outside the facility, though did not provide any information as…

Country Fresh Vegetables Recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes bacteria A recall has been issued for Country Fresh diced vegetables and kabobs sold at Southeastern Grocers, Publix, and Walmart stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi because of a finding of Listeria monocytogenes in routine testing.  The suspected contaminate is believed to have been in the marinade used to prepare the vegetables. The products all have a “Use by” date in August, so they have likely been used or discarded at this time, but health investigators are warning people to check their refrigerators and freezers, since people may still have…