Minnesota Salmonella Outbreak Caused by Juice Bar
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has linked a Salmonella outbreak to a local juice bar. The Nékter Juice Bar of Woodbury, Minnesota, was reported as the cause of the Salmonella outbreak after nine people reported infections, with two people requiring hospitalizations. The Salmonella infections are estimated to have been acquired between August 27, 2020, and September 21, 2020, based on when the nine victims reported first presenting symptoms.
The MDH and Washington County Public Health and Environment are currently investigating the outbreak to determine a specific source of the outbreak, as well as if more citizens have been effected by the outbreak. The Nékter Juice Bar has restocked all ingredients and sanitized all surfaces to prevent further infections.
According to national food safety lawyer Ron Simon:
“It is entirely possible and probable for more infections to be reported due to the outbreak. As the public becomes more aware of the outbreak, consumers are more likely to recognize and report infections.”
Though the Nékter Juice Bar has been sanitized and is unlikely to cause new infections, some consumers may already be infected, but not presenting symptoms yet. Salmonellosis, the infection caused by Salmonella contamination, symptoms may begin as early as 6 hours and as late as 6 days after consumption, and the illness typically lasts 4-7 days.
Symptoms of Salmonella contamination typically present as typical food poisoning symptoms: diarrhea, which may be bloody, fever, and stomach cramps, though some patients have reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Medical treatment may be necessary for Salmonella contamination in cases with dehydration or a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the CDC, Salmonella is a food borne illness causing bacteria that causes the majority of food poisoning cases in the United States with approximately 1.35 million infections per year. Ron Simon and Associates has represented food poisoning victims for years; he recently filed the first red onion Salmonella lawsuit in the nation in Riverside California against Thomson International, which led to a string of other lawusits. Amidst the outbreak, Ron Simon created a Salmonella hotline at 1-888-335-4901 to assist victims of the outbreak in seeking justice and encourages all potential victims to seek medical care from a licensed professional and ask to have a stool culture performed.
