Multistate outbreak of Salmonella poona infections - United States and Canada, 1991 (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.)

Article Abstract:

The bacterium Salmonella poona was identified as the cause of a large outbreak of food poisoning in the United States and Canada during the early summer months of 1991. More than 400 laboratory-confirmed cases occurred in 23 states and in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan. A comparison of the geographic distribution during that time suggested that cantaloupe from the lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas had been contaminated. Salmonella is the most common cause of reported cases of food poisoning in the United States; however, fruits and vegetables are rarely implicated. During 1990 Salmonella infection was caused by contaminated cantaloupe in one instance, and by tomatoes in another. Food and Drug Administration testing of imported cantaloupes and watermelons detects Salmonella in about 1 percent of melons, which are probably contaminated as they grow on the ground. Large produce companies treat the melons to kill the bacteria before shipping, but field-packed melons are untreated. The bacteria can spread to the flesh of the melon when an unwashed melon is cut, or by contact between the flesh and the rinds. Leaving the cut melon at room temperature encourages the growth of the bacteria. To prevent infection with S. poona, melons, as well as other fruits and vegetables, should be washed before cutting, utensils and cutting boards should be kept clean, and fruit and vegetables should be refrigerated if they are not going to be consumed immediately. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Disease transmission, Salmonella, Muskmelon, Cantaloupe

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Update: multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections from hamburgers - western United States, 1992-1993

Article Abstract:

More than 500 people in Washington, Idaho, California and Nevada were infected with Escherichia (E.) coli O157:H7 between Nov 15, 1992 and Feb 28, 1993. E. coli O157:H7 normally lives in cattle intestines, and meat can become contaminated with it during slaughter. In Washington, 477 people with bloody diarrhea had laboratory-confirmed cases of E.coli O157:H7 infections. Thirty developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a form of kidney failure, and three died. Of the 477 people, 372 (88%) had eaten at a chain restaurant in the nine days prior to developing symptoms. In Idaho, there were 14 confirmed cases of E.coli O157:H7 infection, and 13 of the patients had eaten at a chain restaurant in the week prior to illness. In California, 34 people had confirmed cases of E.coli O157:H7 infection, one of whom died, and in Nevada, 58 people had confirmed cases. Undercooked hamburger patties appear to have played an important role in these outbreaks, and the FDA has recommended increasing the internal temperature of cooked hamburgers.

Reports, Escherichia coli infections, Hamburgers

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Safer and Healthier Foods--1900-1999

Article Abstract:

Food safety has improved since 1900. At that time, contaminated food, milk, and water caused many foodborne diseases, including typhoid fever, tuberculosis, botulism, and scarlet fever. The publication of Upton Sinclair's novel The Jungle in 1906 prompted the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act. Handwashing, sanitation, refrigeration, pasteurization, and pesticides led to safer foods and a decrease in foodborne diseases. Healthier animal care, feeding, and processing also improved the safety of the food supply.

Safety and security measures, Food, Food safety

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