Salmonella outbreak in U.S. continues to spread

Oct. 18, 2013 – In the U.S., the outbreak of Salmonella from raw chicken linked to three Foster Farms processing plants in central California is continuing to spread.

As of last week, the outbreak has spread to 20 states and Puerto Rico, and has affected over 300 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

While the number of cases is high, no deaths have been reported. And most cases (73 per cent), have been located in California.

According to the CDC case update, “On October 10, 2013, USDA-FSIS announced that Foster Farms submitted and implemented immediate substantive changes to their slaughter and processing to allow for continued operations. FSIS inspectors will verify that these changes are being implemented on a continuous and ongoing basis. Additionally, the agency will continue intensified sampling and testing of chicken products from these facilities for at least the next 90 days.”

The CDC also says that the outbreak involves strains of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg and that of those hospitalised, more than double the usual rate for blood poisoning from the salmonella infection has occurred.

For additional information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/heidelberg-10-13/index.html