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The amount of reported infection in the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak connected to fresh tomatoes has increased to more than 600 people.

The Deputy Director, Robert Tauxe, of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, informed NBC June 21 this is the biggest salmonella outbreak connected to tomatoes ever since the agency began keeping records in the late 1960s.

The CDC reported on June 23 that there are 613 reported infections in 32 states and Washington D.C.

A spokeswoman for the CDC stated that the preceding biggest outbreak was in 2002 where 510 people were reported with the salmonella infection. Three salmonella outbreaks that were connected to tomatoes in 2004, 561 total infections were reported in the U.S. and Canada. The biggest of those episodes had 429 reported infections.

Since 1990, this is the 13th salmonella outbreak connected to tomatoes.

Chief of the CDC unit, Ian Williams, examines outbreaks, has said for every reported infection, there are probably at least 30 more occurrences that public health officials do not know about. That indicates the continuing outbreak could be involving more than 18,000 people.

The CDC reported in its June 23 report that at around 69 people have been hospitalized. The outbreak has not been directly accredited for any deaths. The CDC said the start dates of the reported infection now extend from April 10 to June 13.

The amount of reported infections has made a few remarkable increases in the past week. Nevertheless, CDC stated the raise is not the outcome of a large number of new illnesses; the raises are due to enhanced observation for salmonella by state health officials and the numerous completed lab tests.

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Some farms in Texas and Florida seem to have produced at least several of the tomatoes associated in what is forming up to be the country’s biggest tomato salmonella epidemic, federal health officials said Friday.

This outbreak is one of the most widespread of the country’s 13 tomato-borne salmonella incidences, raising the number of victims to 522.

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Another 106 cases of salmonella have been associated with contaminated tomatoes, setting the outbreak total at 383 on Wednesday.

The majority of the new cases were people who became ill weeks ago but have not been considered so far. A number of states began improving salmonella checks as the outbreak goes on, while some of the rush comes from exam results that have accumulated in over loaded labs.

What has not altered are the earliest identified victim got ill on April 10 and the most recent on June 5.

However, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania reported their initial cases, resulting in 30 states, plus Washington D.C., that have reported ill residents, even though some may have been contaminated while traveling.

The Food and Drug Administration’s food safety chief cautioned Wednesday, that it may be likely to trace the essential source of the contaminated tomatoes.

Dr. David Acheson, the FDA’s associate commissioner for foods said, “I know there is a great deal of frustration. We’re continuing to work flat-out.”

While tomatoes are some of the hardest foods to follow in an outbreak, since people rarely have any tomatoes left when they get ill and they are sold with no labels to help trace their merchant.

Parts of Mexico and Florida are mainly the sources of the infectivity because they were providing nearly all of the country’s tomatoes when the outbreak started per the FDA. Although Acheson said he was “trying to inject a note of realism” that the more extended his investigation lasts, the less chance he has to discover the actual farm.

Acheson said, “As every day passes, it gets just a little more tricky. I’m still optimistic but I’m trying to be realistic.”

As part of the investigation, the FDA has requested Mexican health agencies to make sure whether they have any instances of this precise type of salmonella Saintpaul, the subtype implicated.

The FDA advises consumers nationwide to keep away from raw red plum, red Roma or red round tomatoes except for ones grown in certain states or countries that the FDA has freed from suspicion. Grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and vine ripe tomatoes are safe per the FDA.

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Federal health officials said Wednesday that the number of illness cases has risen in last few days to 383 people. They have been contaminated with an uncommon form of salmonella since April. Some 30 states plus the District of Columbia have reported salmonella cases.

An official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said around 48 of the victims, ages vary from younger than 1 to 88, have been hospitalized.

The CDC said, “No deaths have formally been blamed on the outbreak, but the infection may have been a factor to the death of a man in his 60s, who also had cancer, from Texas.”

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Another 160 people made sick from salmonella in tomatoes, per the CDC. The new total is now 383 people in 30 states, but health officials are still not able to identify the cause.

Dr. Robert Tauxe of the CDC said, “We do not think the outbreak is over.” And the majority of the new cases were people who became ill weeks ago but have not been considered so far.

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Florida harvested tomatoes and California grown tomatoes have been cleared in the salmonella outbreak.

The source of the outbreak is still unknown by the Food and Drug Administration. The outbreak has caused 167 people to become ill within 17 states. There has not been any new cases in two weeks and not all tomatoes are linked.

The experts are observing that the government, supermarkets and fast food restaurants are responding more assertively than in preceding outbreaks of salmonella. Because fast food chains do not want to seem unwise if a patron becomes ill, they have removed tomatoes, says an attorney who handles food-contamination cases.

Since the government has been quite slow historically, it's trying to be more receptive says a consumer advocacy group.

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Health officials are warning about a U. S. brand of cantaloupe that may be contaminated with salmonella.

The individual cantaloupess may have a sticker on them bearing the UPC code 0 33373 11600 6. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the affected melons were distributed in cartons bearing the KingFisher brand.

They were distributed between the dates of May 16 and June 2. They may have been whole or segmented. If the consumer is unsure of the brand, they are to ask the store if they sold the KingFisher brand there.

So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of the affected cantaloupes.

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Sante Fe -- There has been a cluster outbreak of Salmonella that has sickened more than 30 people according to the state health department. The source is believed to be from uncooked tomatoes purchased from Wal-Mart in Farmington or Las Cruces, Lowes's Marketplace in Las Cruces or Basha's in Crownpoint since May 3.

There have been 36 patients in nine counties according to Deborah Busmeyer the New Mexico Department of Health spokeswoman. Six came from San Juan County.

The Federal Department of Agriculture and the department are working with the state Environmental Department to trace back the source of dirty tomatoes.

According to Busmeyer, the environment department bought tomatoes at many stores across the state in a wide sweep.

The bacteria is Salmonella St. Paul that is causing the patients' sicknesses. So far, no one has died.

The Health Secretary, Dr. Alfredo Vigil said that the department has determined that eating uncooked tomatoes has been the likely source of the outbreak. They hope to provide more information about the type of tomatoes as the investigation proceeds.

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The USDA-FSIS has issued a public health alert for at least 1100 pounds of "fully cooked" pork cracklings due to a possible contamination with salmonella. They were produced in Miami, Florida by Sofia Chicharones, Inc.

The public health alert is affecting the pork cracklings as follows:

1-pound and 5-pound bags of "FULLY COOKED PORK CRACKLINGS WITH
ATTACHED SKIN." Each package bears a label with the establishment number
"EST. 21055" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a "PACKED DATE" of 05128-1."

The cracking products, which are fully cooked, were sold under the establishment's retail store in Miami, Florida on May 12, 2008. It has been confirmed by the FSIS that these products are no longer for sale at this establishment; however, consumers are urged to look for and destroy these products if they have them.

After the product tested positive for salmonella during a routine microbiological sampling by the FSIS, the public health alert was initiated.

So far, the FSIS has not received any reports of illnesses associated with consumption of products subject to this alert. However, anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should contact a medical professional immediately.

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A salmonella outbreak in humans has been linked to a contaminated dry dog food for the first time ever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak has affected 19 states, mostly in Pennsylvania, where the dog food was produced.

Always wash your hands after feeding your pets, whether it is dry or wet food to safeguard against possible salmonella contamination.

Always maintain a clean environment while preparing your pet's meal.

Also, always keep your pet's food stored in a safe place, like a Tupperware container with a lid away from children.

Children always have a tendency to eat what their pets are eating. Keep them away from that. It is very important to ensure that your dog's food is safe for your dog.

Always look at what your dog is eating and stay informed.

Always avoid pet foods that have these words in the ingredient box, and that is animal byproducts. Animal byproducts is a meal made from the innards of the animal's intestines.

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Commissioner of Agriculture, Tommy Irving has announced that food scientists have found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Bright Water Smoked Salmon & Cheese Spread.

The spread, manufactured by Bright Water Seafoods, LLC, of Charlotte, N. C., 28217, found contamination in a seven-ounce package marked BEST BY 060608. The UPC code is 1971100073.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially serious disease. The most common manifestation of listeriosis is meningitis, which has symptoms of high fever, neck stiffness, nausea, and severe headache.

Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections to infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems (i.e. persons taking chemotherapy for cancer and those with chronic diseases).

Commissioner Irvin stated, "We have notified the U. S. Food and Drug Administration of today's lab findings, and we are warning the public about the contamination."

"We discovered this contamination as part of our sampling program. Sampling on a regular basis with a scientific protocol is a very important part of our food safety program."

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In the later part of 2007, recalls and illness as a result of bacteria and E. coli O157:H7 soared - greater than any year since 2000.

2006 - There were eight recalls totaling 156,235 pounds of ground beef

2007 - There were twenty-one recalls of over 30million pounds of ground beef

Theories About Food-Borne Illnesses Rise

There are many theories why there is such a massive increase in the number of recalls and illnesses:

Better Reporting - more doctors are able to recognize the symptoms of E. coli, therefore leading to detecting outbreaks and forcing recalls.

Complacency - possibility of meat processors 'slacking off' causing them to be less likely to detect tainted beef.

Global Warming - The dry weather in the Southeast and Southwest may cause fecal dust to be blown and waft through the beef-slaughtering plants. In other regions where excessive rainfall causes muddy holding pens where E. coli will be more likely to thrive.

Other Pathogens

E. coli is one of the most popular bacterial agents to find its way into the media spotlight, there are also others agents that sicken the public. These would be salmonella, campylobacter, shigella and listeria. The nation has seen outbreaks of each of the illnesses. It was E. coli that sickened and killed many people who ate the tainted spinach in the beginning of 2007, and helped shut down food producer Topps. However, while it is primarily the stereotype, E. coli O157:H7 to blame there are other non-O157 toxins that are just as deadly, specifically 026, 0103, 0111, and 0145.

While most of these letters and numbers mean nothing to the average consumer, the implication is that there is more than one kind of E. coli that may rise in the future to harm and kill the public. The elderly and very young are susceptible to the illness and those with at risk immune systems; This should lead us to ask the question - "Why does this continue to happen and are there definitive ways to keep America's food supply safe?"

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According to the FDA, at least 23 people in 14 states have been sickened by the same strain of salmonella found in two breakfast cereals recalled by Malt-O-Meal, the federal Food and Drug Administration and Saturday.

A case in Minnesota is being investigated to see if it is linked to the cereals being produced by the Minneapolis-based company, the state health department said.

The unsweetened Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereals have voluntarily recalled Malt-O-Meal on April 5 after finding salmonella contamination during routine testing. The affected bags were produced in Northfield, Minnesota in the past 12 months.

Heidi Kassenborg, director of of the dairy and food inspection division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following statement, "The Malt-O-Meal company has been extremely cooperative in this investigation and has done the right thing to protect the public's health.

According to the CDC, three people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

Symptoms of salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. It can be life-threatening for people with poor health or weakened immune systems, including young children and the elderly.

The FDA said people who experience such symptoms after eating puffed wheat or puffed rice cereal made by Malt-O-Meal should contact their doctors and report the illness to the state or local health authorities.

The FDA said the recalled products were distributed nationally under the Malt-O-Meal brand name, as well as private labels including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality. The cereal bags have "best if used by" dates from April 8, 2008 (coded as APR0808), through March 18, 2009 (coded as MAR1809).

Consumers with products from the recalled lots are advised to throw them out, and retailers have been told to remove the cereals from their shelves.

The CDC said that as of Friday, it had received reports of 21 people ill with the same salmonella strain in 13 states. California reported 1; Colorado, 1; Delaware, 1; Maine, 3; Massachusetts, 2; Minnesota, 1; North Dakota, 1; New Hampshire, 2; New Jersey, 3; New York, 3; Pennsylvania, 1; Rhode Island, 1; and Vermont, 1.

It wasn't clear what the 14th state was and whether the two additional cases were from there.

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The recalled cereal was produced in Northfield. Health officials are looking into a poisoning case i Minnesota to identify if it is linked to the Malt-O-Meal's recall of unsweetened Puff Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereals from its Northfield plants.

So far there have been 21 other cases of salmonella poisoning from 13 other states that may be linked, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Malt-O-Meal had announced on April 5, 2008, that the Puffed Rice cereals were being recalled which had been produced in the last 12 months at the Northfield plant.

The recalled products have 'best if used by' dates of April 8, 2008, to March 18, 2009.

After a routine safety testing detected salmonella in a product produced on March 24, the company launched the voluntary recall.

State health officials have asked that anyone who experienced symptoms of salmonella after eating the Malt-O-Meal cereals to contact their health care provider.

Symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps. They usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

Salmonella infections typically resolve in five to seven days, but in 20 percent of cases can require hospitilization.

Rarely, in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to death.

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On April 8, 2008, some brands of unsweetened puffed cereals have had warnings issued, citing risk of salmonellosis from the Alaska state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals were voluntarily recalled by Malt-O-Meal. They were produced with 'Best if Used By' dates ranging from April 8, 2008 to March 19, 2009. The cereals have been recalled because of the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, according to a written statement from DEC.

This product has been found in Alaska, but has been shipped nationwide. To date, there have been no reported illnesses or injuries in conjunction with this product.

All consumers are being warned by the DEC to check their pantries for Malt-O-Meal, Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weise Quality Unsweetened Puffed Rice and Wheat Cereals in 6, 12 and 16-ounce bags.

A listing of all affected products is available online.

Any products covered by this recall that have been purchased are urged to be discarded or returned to the place of purchase by the consumer.

Some of the symptoms of salmonellosis, a common form of food poisoning, include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, a salmonella infection can result in more severe illnesses, some potentially life threatening. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact their physician immediately or visit the nearest emergency room.

For additional information about the recall, call the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Food Safety and Sanitation Program at 1-877-SAFE-FOOD or 1-877-233-3633 or visit the DEC web site.

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According to a top executive with Castleberry's Food Co., he is confident that the Augusta plant will restart sometime this week.

March 10, the plant on 15th Street was shut down, when the U. S. Food and Drug Administration and U. S. Department of Agriculture found deviations in how some of the equipment was being operated.

Senior Vice President Dave Melbourne stated, "we continue to work closely with the FDA and the USDA to reinstate our operating permit at our Augusta plant and hope to resume production early this week based on our current discussions with the agencies."

According to Mr. Melbourne the latest shutdown does not involve health or safety issues.

For two months beginning in July, the plant was shut down because botulism toxin was found in cans of chili sauce. The Centers for Disease Control reported that eight people were sickened in Texas, Ohio and Indiana.

The recall involved more than 90 of the plant's products and $35 million.

Currently there are two lawsuits pending against the company by people who said they were sickened.

During a February 27 inspection of the plant, deviations in some equipment operations revealed that undercooking of the meat could have resulted. Because of underprocessing caused the botulism outbreak, federal agencies decided to revoke the permit.

Over the past two weeks, most of the facilities over 330 employees have not worked.

Mr. Melbourne stated that he has been very grateful of the patience and understanding of the employees and customers during this time.

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The personal injury law firm of Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have assisted many foodborne illness victims. If you or a loved one has been a victim of food poisoning contact the law firm of Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free consultation to discuss what your legal options are.

Oregon health officials are urging consumers to discard certain brands of fresh cantaloupe in the wake of a salmonellosis outbreak investigation.

A major supplier of cantaloupe to the U. S. and Canada is Agropecuaria Montelibano. The product is grown in the Honduras and packaged by Angropecuria Montelibano, also known as Agrolibano.

In the middle of January, a rare strain of the disease, Salmonella Litchfield, affected consumers in the U. S. and Canada. More than 50 cases in 16 states have been confirmed, including five in Oregon and nine in Washington.

According to Dr. Willian E. Keene, an epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division, "if you have any of this kind of cantaloupe at home, we recommend that you throw it out. If your cantaloupe has a sticker that says Guatemala or some other country, then it is not associated with this outbreak. If you can't tell where it came from, or if it came from Honduras, you could check with the store to see if it might be from this company."

Agrolibano distributes under many different label names.

"It is confusing, but unfortunately there isn't any magic want we can wave to tell from which field," he said. "If you are concerned about fruit that you have at home, just toss it."

The U. S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is working with packers and growers to pinpoint the source of contamination, but investigation may take months.

In the state of Oregon only five cases are confirmed. There have been 25 or more or have become ill. One, at least, has recovered from the illness.

In the U. S., over the years, cantaloupe and other melons have been the source of many outbreaks. It is just important to remember that once you cut into the melons, eat it right away or stick it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Otherwise, bacteria will start multiplying on the flesh of the melon if left out.

Salmonella typically causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and usually lasts less than than week. Some are at increased risk for severe illness, particularly the elderly, infants or those with auto-immunodeficiencies.

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Possibly contaminated cooked langostinos sold to wholesalers in Michigan and 18 other states has been recalled by a Boston-based seafood company.

"Icybay Cooked Langostinos" distributed by Slade Gorton and Company says that it may be contaminated with listeria.

Listeria, a bacteria, can cause fatal infections and miscarriages in pregnant women. The unusual characteristic of listeria is that it can grow in cold temperatures (such as a refrigerator).

A langostinos (Spanish for prawn) is a crustacean that looks like a cross between a lobster and a shrimp.

According to the company, there have been no reported illnesses so far.

The langostinos were sold in retail stores in clear, one-pound packages marked with UPC 0-73129-61672-8.

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Chances are you will never know that you have contracted a foodborne illness in your lifetime. But if you do, contact the injury attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault to help you.

Daily there are recalls of food that are contaminated with many 'common' food viruses such as

Campylobacter
Salmonella
E. coli O157:H7
Calicivirus, or Norwalk-like virus
Shigella
Hepatitis A
Giardia Lamblia
Cryptospordia
Clostridium Botulinum

Many go unnoticed by many consumers due to their "resistance," they normally pass it off as the flu (the symptoms resemble the flu).

Unfortunately, the young and old or those with weakened immune systems are those most at risk to contracting and developing severe reactions from foodborne illnesses.

Foodborne illnesses can develop into fatal infections in those that have compromised immune systems. It is very important to keep informed when it comes to recalls.

Visit the FDA website by clicking here to see all the recalls that may affect you or your family.

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