Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Salmonella Poisoning Reported In 42 States

[red bolding original from article]

01/13/2009

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a breakdown of the number of cases in each of 42 states involved in a nationwide outbreak of salmonella poisoning that has stricken at least 399 people: California, 55; Ohio, 53; Massachusetts, 39; Minnesota, 30; Michigan 20; New Jersey 13; New York, 12; Pennsylvania 12; Virginia 12; Washington 11; Idaho, 10; North Dakota, 10; New Hampshire, 10; Colorado, 9; Tennessee, 9; Arizona, 8; Missouri, 8; Maryland, 7; Connecticut, 6; Nevada, 6; Georgia, 5; Oregon, 5; Texas, 5; Illinois, 4; Vermont, 4; Arkansas, 3; Indiana, 3; Kentucky, 3; Maine, 3; Rhode Island, 3; Utah, 3; Wisconsin, 3; Kansas, 2; Oklahoma, 2; South Dakota, 2; West Virginia, 2; Wyoming, 2; Alabama, 1; Hawaii, 1; Iowa, 1; Nebraska, 1; North Carolina, 1; For CDC information on the investigation, go to: www.cdc.gov/salmonella.

Editor’s Insight: This is the last thing the foodservice industry needs as it faces one of the most challenging economic climates ever. Unfortunately, food borne illnesses have increased at an alarming rate this past year. The federal government needs to address its food safety measures. In the meantime, the food industry needs to improve its food handling practices.

Vending operators cannot afford to wait until a problem occurs before letting a customer know how consumer health is protected. The vending industry has a good record for preventing food borne illness, but it must be proactive in informing customers about its precautionary measures. 01-13-09 by Elliot Maras

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