The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning about a multistate salmonella outbreak, potentially stemming from ground beef consumption.
As per NBC News, at least 16 cases of illness have been reported, including six hospitalizations. The outbreak has spread across several states, with nine cases in New Jersey, five in New York, and one each in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Health officials suspect that the actual number of affected individuals might be significantly higher due to unreported cases. Despite the severity of the outbreak, no fatalities have been linked to the consumption of ground beef.
The CDC and health authorities are urging the public to take precautions while handling and consuming ground beef to prevent further infections.
Ground Beef - The Suspected Culprit of Salmonella
The CDC is currently investigating ground beef as a potential source of the salmonella outbreak. Among the 14 patients interviewed about their dietary habits before falling ill, nine of them confirmed consuming ground beef.
According to CBS, all nine individuals stated that they had purchased the beef from various ShopRite locations in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Seven of these patients recalled buying 80% lean ground beef, while the remaining two could not recall the specific type they purchased.
While ShopRite is cooperating with investigators, no recall has been issued for ground beef products at this time.
Salmonella is a common bacterial pathogen that resides in the intestines of animals. The bacteria can spread through contaminated food, water, food preparation surfaces, and unwashed hands. Ground beef, when not cooked thoroughly, can harbor these harmful germs, leading to infections in humans.
The CDC highlights the importance of cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively kill salmonella germs and reduce the risk of infection.
Preventive Measures and Safety Tips To Avoid Salmonella Infection
To mitigate the risk of contracting salmonella from ground beef, the CDC emphasizes the need for interventions at various stages, including farms, slaughterhouses, processing facilities, restaurants, and households. The health agency has shared several safety tips to protect consumers while shopping for and handling ground beef:
Safe Shopping: Keep raw ground beef separated from other food items in your shopping cart and grocery bags to avoid cross-contamination.
Proper Storage: Once home, store ground beef in a container or a sealed, leak-proof bag on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent drips onto other foods.
Thorough Cleaning: Wash any utensils and surfaces, including your hands, that come into contact with raw beef with soap and water to eliminate any potential bacteria.
According to the CDC, salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the United States.
Common symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, with onset occurring between six hours and six days after exposure.
The duration of the illness typically lasts for four to seven days. The current multistate outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and cooking practices to safeguard public health.
