Salmonella Garden of Life Outbreak Link Investigated By Public Health Officials – On January 29, 2016, the Minnesota Department Health (MDH) announced that along with agriculture officials, it is investigating a multistate Salmonella Virchow outbreak that may be associated with eating “Garden of Life Organic Shake & Meal Replacement.”
According the MDH, two cases of Salmonella Virchow infection with the same DNA fingerprint pattern have been reported to the agency since January 11, 2016. Neither individual was hospitalized, and both have recovered.
The MDH indicated that many individuals infected with Salmonella do not seek health care, nor get tested, so it is likely that the number of people who are part of the outbreak is larger than documented. The MDH provided the following advice to the public:
“Consequently, health officials want to bring this outbreak to the attention of people who have become ill with symptoms of salmonellosis but who have not yet consulted a health care provider. These people should mention this outbreak to their health care provider should they consult one.”
Additional states reported matching Salmonella Virchow illnesses, in which the victims ate this product (a powdered nutritional supplement and meal replacement). These states include: New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and, Wisconsin.
Salmonella Symptoms
The MDH provided the following information to the public regarding Salmonella infection (salmonellosis):
“Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to a week after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5 to 7 days, but approximately 28 percent of laboratory-confirmed cases require hospitalization. Invasive infections (for example, blood stream infections, meningitis) occasionally occur.
In rare cases, Salmonella infection can lead to death, particularly in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Many Salmonella infections in otherwise healthy people do not require medical treatment. For those who do seek health care, most do not need to be treated with antibiotics. However, antibiotic treatment for certain categories of people and for more severe infections is warranted.”
Diagnosis of Salmonella Infection
If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonella, or are experiencing Salmonella food poisoning symptoms, contact your healthcare professional. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm Salmonella infection. Let your doctor know if you have consumed a product known or suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella. A blood or tissue sample may be required if doctors suspect that the infection has entered the blood stream.
Garden of Life Raw Meal Organic Shake and Meal Products Recall
On January 29, 2016, Garden of Life, LLC, announced a recall for a limited quantity of its Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Chocolate, Original Vanilla and Vanilla Chai because the products may be contaminated with the bacterial pathogen Salmonella Virchow. A list of Garden of Life recalled products may be found at FDA – Garden of Life Shake & Meal Replacement Recall.
One Minnesota outbreak victim reported eating vanilla flavored product and one victim reported eating chocolate flavored product. The products were purchased at separate stores. Cases in other states reported eating the vanilla flavor or the chocolate flavor according to the MDH.
Health officials recommend not eating any flavor of this product if purchased on or after November 1, 2015. Additionally, product with a “Best Used by: 09/2017” date or later stamped on the bottom of the container should not be consumed.
Food Poisoning Lawsuits and 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 1-877-934-6274.