On December 4, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updates on the current U.S. multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Infection linked to bean sprouts. Here are the highlights:
As of December 2, 2014, a total of 87 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 11 states.
- Twenty-seven percent of ill persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
CDC's National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratory conducted antibiotic resistance testing onSalmonellaEnteritidis isolates collected from three ill persons infected with the outbreak strains.
- All three isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested on the NARMS panel.
Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that bean sprouts produced by Wonton Foods, Inc. are the likely source of this outbreak.
- In interviews, 42 (78%) of 54 ill persons reported eating bean sprouts or menu items containing bean sprouts in the week before becoming ill.
Wonton Foods, Inc. continues to cooperate with state and federal public health and agriculture officials.
On November 21, 2014, Wonton Foods, Inc. agreed to destroy any remaining products while they conducted thorough cleaning and sanitization and implemented otherSalmonellacontrol measures. On November 24, the firm completed cleaning and sanitization and restarted production of bean sprouts. The firm resumed shipment on November 29, 2014
- Contaminated bean sprouts produced by Wonton Foods, Inc. are likely no longer available for purchase or consumption given the maximum 12-day shelf life of mung bean sprouts.
CDC recommends that consumers, restaurants, and other retailers always practice food safety for sprouts.
- Children, older adults, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts).
- Cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness. Cooking sprouts thoroughly kills any harmful bacteria.
This investigation is ongoing, and CDC will update the public when more information becomes available.
From CDC.gov