Historical Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the U.S.

1 hour ago 0

Recent investigations into outbreaks of cyclospora and salmonella affecting numerous states remind us of significant foodborne illness crises in the past. As of August 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 10,468 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, connected to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico. There are over 12,255 unconfirmed cases, many from Michigan, where two individuals have died. Separately, jalapeño peppers, also from Mexico, have been linked to 345 salmonella cases across 27 states. This has prompted chains like Chipotle and Qdoba to remove jalapeños from their menus.

Despite widespread attention, these current outbreaks have resulted in fewer fatalities compared to some historic ones.

Contaminated Oysters Led to Typhoid Outbreak (1924)

In 1924, oysters tainted with Salmonella Typhi caused a typhoid fever outbreak, killing 150 and sickening an estimated 1,500 people. Sourced from a company in West Sayville, New York, this outbreak was the deadliest in U.S. history and led to the National Shellfish Sanitation Program’s creation.

Mexican-Style Cheese Outbreak (1985)

In 1985, Los Angeles County faced an outbreak linked to unpasteurized milk used in soft Mexican cheese. Out of 142 cases, more than half involved pregnant women or their children. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, 28 people died, including 18 adults and 10 newborns. Jalisco Mexican Projects Inc. was identified as the source.

Jack in the Box E. Coli Outbreak (1992-1993)

An E. coli outbreak through undercooked hamburgers at Jack in the Box killed four children and affected over 700 people across four states. This led to regulatory changes in the U.S. Five slaughter plants in the U.S. and Canada were identified as potential sources. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system to better monitor food production.

Schwan’s Salmonella Outbreak (1994)

A salmonella outbreak in 1994 linked to Schwan’s ice cream affected 224,000 people. Investigators traced the bacteria to tanker trailers used to transport pasteurized ice cream premix. These trailers previously carried non-pasteurized liquid eggs that tested positive for salmonella.

E. Coli in Spinach (2006)

In 2006, E. coli contaminated fresh spinach, sickening 199 people in 26 states. Three people died, including a 2-year-old. The contamination was traced to spinach grown near cattle grazing fields in California.

Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak (2008-09)

Peanut butter contaminated with salmonella resulted in nine deaths and hundreds falling ill. The former CEO of the Peanut Corporation of America, Stewart Parnell, received a 28-year prison sentence for his role. The company deceived customers about the presence of salmonella, leading to a major nationwide recall.

Contaminated Cantaloupes (2011)

An outbreak of listeriosis linked to tainted cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado killed 33 and sickened 147. Farmers Eric and Ryan Jensen were convicted of not washing the cantaloupes properly and received five years of probation.