As of November 24, 2024, several significant food poisoning outbreaks are under investigation in the United States. Below is an overview of the five most critical outbreaks, the number of reported illnesses and deaths associated with each, and recommended actions for consumers.
1. Listeria Outbreak Linked to Yu Shang Food, Inc.
- Product Involved: Ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock, produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc., based in South Carolina.
- Reported Cases: At least 11 individuals have been affected across four states, with nine hospitalizations and one confirmed death—a California infant.
- Consumer Guidance: Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for these products. If found, they should discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. Additionally, it’s essential to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products to prevent cross-contamination.
2. E. coli Outbreak Associated with Ground Beef Products
- Product Involved: Approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products, including various ground beef patties served in restaurants nationwide.
- Reported Cases: Fifteen illnesses have been reported in Minnesota. While the infections are currently confined to one state, the distributed products were sold across the country.
- Consumer Guidance: Consumers who have recently consumed ground beef, especially in restaurants, and are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or low-grade fever should seek medical attention promptly. It’s also advisable to inquire with restaurants about the source of their ground beef and avoid consumption if the origin is uncertain.
3. E. coli Outbreak Linked to Carrots Sold in Major Supermarkets
- Product Involved: Carrots sold under various brand names by Grimmway Farms, distributed to major supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s and Wegmans.
- Reported Cases: At least one death and 39 illnesses have been reported across 18 states, with New York, Minnesota, and Washington state seeing the majority of cases.
- Consumer Guidance: Consumers should check for recalled carrot products in their homes and dispose of them immediately. It’s also crucial to clean and sanitize storage areas and utensils that may have come into contact with the contaminated carrots to prevent further contamination.
4. Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meats
- Product Involved: Various deli meats produced by Boar’s Head Provision Company at their Jarratt, Virginia plant.
- Reported Cases: The outbreak has resulted in 10 deaths and 60 hospitalizations across multiple states.
- Consumer Guidance: Consumers should avoid purchasing or consuming Boar’s Head deli meats until further notice. If these products are present in the home, they should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Additionally, it’s essential to clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with these products.
5. E. coli Outbreak Associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders
- Product Involved: Slivered onions used on Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s restaurants in 14 U.S. states.
- Reported Cases: At least 104 individuals have contracted E. coli, with one reported death.
- Consumer Guidance: Consumers who have recently consumed Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s and are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention. It’s also advisable to stay informed about updates from health authorities regarding this outbreak.
General Recommendations for Consumers:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for information on current outbreaks and recalls.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. Ensure that all kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
- Proper Food Handling: Cook meats to their recommended internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and other foods.
- Be Cautious with High-Risk Foods: Certain foods, such as deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw produce, can pose higher risks for foodborne illnesses. Ensure these foods are sourced from reputable suppliers and handled with care.
- Report Illnesses: If you suspect that you have contracted a foodborne illness, contact your local health department. Reporting can help identify outbreaks and prevent further cases.
As first glance, 2024 does seem to be a year with major food-poisoning outbreaks. But by staying informed and adhering to recommended food safety practices, consumers can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses – especially with the holiday season fast approaching!
