FDA Investigated Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad

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What’s the Problem and What’s Being Done?

• On July 16, 2018, the FDA learned about a cluster of Salmonella illnesses in multiple states.
• The FDA, CDC, and state partners worked together to collect additional information to identify a food item of interest. Interviews with ill people allowed health partners to identify Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad as a possible source of the illnesses.
• On July 16, 2018, Hy-Vee, Inc. removed Spring Pasta Salad products from all of its stores, located in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
• On July 17, 2018, following discussions with FDA, CDC, and state partners, Hy-Vee, Inc. voluntarily recalled Spring Pasta Salad. The recalled products were distributed to all 244 Hy-Vee grocery store locations, which are located in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The pasta salad was available in one- and three-pound, pre-packaged plastic containers, and was also available for purchase at the deli counter in custom quantities. The FDA notified consumers of this recall through social media and posted the recall notice.
• On September 5, 2018, the CDC announced that the outbreak appears to be over.
• Consumers who have symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most infections usually last 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment, however some people develop diarrhea so severe that they need to be hospitalized.

What Products are Recalled?

The recalled pasta salad was sold at all 244 Hy-Vee store locations in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The pasta salad was available in one- and three-pound, pre-packaged plastic containers. The Spring Pasta Salad was also available for purchase at the deli counter in custom quantities. If anyone has already purchased the Spring Pasta Salad and has it in their home, they should not consume it and should discard it. See the Hy-Vee Recall Notice.

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What are the Symptoms of Salmonella Infection? 

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Learn more:

• FDA Salmonella
• FoodSafety.gov on Salmonella
• CDC Salmonella

Who is at Risk?

Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate in all other people. Children younger than five, the elderly, and those people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections. It is estimated that approximately 400 persons in the United States die each year with acute salmonellosis. 

What Do Restaurants and Retailers Need To Do?

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell recalled Spring Pasta Salad from Hy-Vee.
Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that the recalled pasta salads may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross–contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment. They should follow the steps below:

• Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators regularly.
• Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to prepare, serve, or store food.
• Wash hands with hot water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
• Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination

What Do Consumers Need To Do?

The FDA advised consumers to not eat and to discard recalled Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad.

Consumers should always practice safe food handling and preparation measures. It is recommended that they wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling food.

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