The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) late Friday night issued a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella Heidelberg that may be associated with use and consumption of ground turkey.
This public health alert was initiated after continuous medical reports, ongoing investigations and testing conducted by various departments of health across the nation determined there is an association between consumption of ground turkey products and an estimated 77 illnesses reported in 26 states. The illnesses were linked through an epidemiologic investigation and PFGE analyses by state health departments and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For a bit of history of Salmonella Heidelberg Outbreaks in the U.S., see below:
A & R Barbeque Pulled Pork 2009
Illinois Nursing Home Pureed Food 2008
California Restaurant 2 Macaroni and Cheese 2008
California Fair or Temporary Mobile Service Tacos 2008
Virginia Restaurant Omelette 2008
Minnesota Private Home Ice Cream 2008
Pennsylvania Nursing Home Unknown 2008
Florida Private Home Multiple Foods 2008
Oregon Restaurant 4 Unknown 2008
California Restaurant 3 Unknown 2007
Taste of Chicago Pars Cove Booth Hummus Shrazi 2007
Tennessee Private Home Barbeque, Coleslaw 2007
Florida Undescribed Location Mashed Potatoes and Gravy 2007
California Other Location Milkshake 2006
New Jersey Other Location Unknown Vehicle 2006
New York Restaurant Scallops, Conch, and Sea Cucumber 2006
Pennsylvania Camp Unknown 2006
Colorado Restaurant Chicken Teriyaki 2006
Kansas Restaurant Meringue Pie 2006
California Private Home Raw Egg Mayonnaise 2006
Grocery Store Deli Macaroni and Cheese 2006
California Restaurant Burrito 2006
Cub Brand Stuffed Chicken 2005
Family Gathering Egg Casserole 2004
Minnesota Restaurant Eggs or Pancakes 2003
Park County, Wyoming Restaurant Canned Mushrooms 2003
British Columbia Chicken Nugget Strips 2003
Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant 2002
Minnesota Restaurant Meatloaf or Eggs 2000
Minnesota Restaurant Unknown June, 1999
Duluth Restaurant Food Worker 1999
Minnesota Restaurant Unknown 1999
Minnesota Restaurant Unknown 1998
Our Lady of the Wayside Church Fund-Raiser Stuffed Ham 1997
Florida Restaurant Macaroni and Cheese 1996
Rotanelli Foods, Inc. Lasagna and Stuffed-Shells (Pasta) 1986