Pennsylvania Salmonella Outbreak News
Ongoing Pennsylvania Salmonella outbreak may be linked to Tailor Cut Produce pre-cut fruit. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH) is advising businesses to not sell or distribute pre-cut fruit products (cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, grapes) from Tailor Cut Produce in North Brunswick, NJ, because the cut fruit may be linked to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak. The warning came as the department investigates 31 laboratory-confirmed Salmonella illnesses at four healthcare facilities in southeast Pennsylvania.
According to the PDH, Salmonella Javiana has been identified among salmonellosis cases at three of the four facilities. Tailor Cut Produce pre-cut fruit is the likely source of the illnesses based on epidemiologic evidence.
Although a recall of Tailor Cut Produce’s pre-cut fruit is likely, to date, recall information has not been posted on the FDA Product Recall site.
Pennsylvania Department of Health Recommendations
Businesses and Healthcare Facilities: Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, cautioned that facilities should immediately stop using Tailor Cut Produce pre-cut fruit and to throw the product away. Secretary Levine underscored the potential magnitude of this ongoing public health threat stating “The cases have been seen in facilities that provide care to some of our most vulnerable patients.”
Patients and Other Consumers: The department also cautioned patients and consumers to contact their health care provider stating “Any person who may have consumed pre-cut fruit that originated from Tailor Cut Produce and became ill is recommended to contact their health care provider to assure appropriate specimens are collected and treatment is administered if necessary. Sick individuals, health care providers, or laboratories can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
About Salmonella
According to the PDH, “Symptoms of Salmonella may include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Diarrhea is sometimes bloody. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to a week or more after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in five to seven days, but may require hospitalization, especially for patients who are immunocompromised. Invasive infections (for example, blood stream infections, meningitis) may occur. In rare cases, Salmonella infections can lead to death.”
Please see PA Press Release for the PA Dept. of Health announcement.
Salmonella Lawsuit Help
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Salmonella food poisoning, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free legal case evaluation by calling The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7. You can also submit the easy-to-use Legal Case Evaluation Form found on this page.
Please see Food Poisoning Lawsuits to learn more about food recalls, food poisoning outbreaks and to learn more about our legal services