Two Rare Subtypes of Salmonella Food Poisoning Linked to Taco Bell

In recent months, 155 people across 21 states have become ill with two rare subtypes of salmonella.  These outbreaks are believed to be linked to a national fast-food chain, Taco Bell, although the CDC identified the chain only as a “Mexican-style fast food” restaurant.  Taco Bell is part of Yum! Brands, a Louisville Kentucky based company.

The reason that fingers are pointing to Taco Bell is that an investigator on the case and senior epidemiologist for the state of Oregon, William E. Keene, stated that the link that the food poisoning originated at Taco Bell has been apparent for weeks.  Keene said that investigators have been pumping Yum! Brands for information over the past few weeks, but to now there is still no clue as to a specific menu item that is responsible for the salmonella food poisoning that has hospitalized more than a few victims.

The salmonella outbreak appeared to peak in late June, and since then federal and state health officials have not advised the public that they should avoid certain foods or eating at specific restaurants.  Anna Ohki, chief quality assurance officer for Taco Bell, stated that the fast-food chain takes food safety very seriously, and that customers should not be concerned about eating the foods on the menu because it is perfectly safe.

To date, there have been no deaths associated with this outbreak which seems to stretch northward from Kentucky to the Great Lakes.  In Kentucky alone, 11 of 30 victims of salmonella food poisoning were hospitalized, according to Gwenda Bond who is spokeswoman for the state Health Cabinet.

The two types of salmonella responsible for these illnesses are salmonella hartford, which has sickened 75 individuals across 15 states since April 1st, and salmonella baildon, which is responsible for 80 illnesses across 15 states since May 1st of this year.  While hospitalization information is not available on all victims, it is known that at least 42 of these 155 people were hospitalized.

So far, one victim, a Georgetown resident, has filed suit saying that “people’s lives are at stake.”

Salmonella food poisoning usually causes only mild symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea and nausea which last for a few days.  Certain individuals may be at an increased risk of serious complications.  These individuals include young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.  Those most at risk should seek medical attention immediately if food poisoning in suspected.

Food poisoning lawyers and Buffalo injury attorneys at Brown Chiari can help you if you find yourself in need of legal representation for food poisoning injuries, auto accidents, nursing home abuse or construction accidents.

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