Multistate outbreak of E.coli O157 from RTE salads
Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) O157:H7 infections have been reported from California (22 cases), Washington (3) and Arizona (1).
Among 21 persons with available information, six were hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
The multistate outbreak has been linked to prepackaged salads made by Glass Onion Catering and Atherstone Foods sold in some Trader Joe's, Walgreens and Whole Foods stores.
DNA fingerprinting
Public health investigators are using DNA "fingerprints" of E. coli bacteria from diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify cases of illness that are part of the outbreak.
They are using data from PulseNet, the subtyping network that performs molecular surveillance of foodborne infections.
CDC is working with health officials in California, Washington, and Arizona; the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS); and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Illness onset dates range from 29 September to 26 October, in people from four to 78 years, with a median age of 28 years, according to available information.
Investigations indicate that two ready-to-eat salads, Field Fresh Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken and Mexicali Salad with Chili Lime Chicken, produced by Glass Onion Catering and sold at Trader Joe’s grocery store locations, are one likely source of the outbreak.
Product recall
The products subject to recall are regulated by both FSIS and FDA.
Products regulated by FSIS bear the establishment number “P-34221” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Glass Onion Catering, a Richmond, California firm, recalled 181,620 pounds of ready-to-eat salads and sandwich wrap products with fully cooked chicken and ham last week.
The products were produced between 23 September and 6 November and shipped to distribution centers intended for retail sale in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington.
FDA’s recall involves Athertone Foods, Inc. of Richmond, California with “Best Buy” dates 9-23-13 through 11-14-13 of ready to eat salads and wraps because they may be contaminated with E.coli.
