Health officials report another 63 people became ill from eating salmonella-contaminated ground beef. This brings the total number of sick people to 120 in 22 states. The outbreak started in August, and officials think it will still continue.

About Salmonella

Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. The bacteria usually live in animal and human intestines and shed through feces. Consuming contaminated water or food spreads the infection to humans. Symptoms last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, however, it may take several months before bowels return to normal. However, salmonella can develop into typhoid fever. This is a deadly disease. About 300 people get typhoid fever in the United States each year. About 22 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 related deaths occur worldwide each year.

Salmonella-Contaminated Ground Beef Outbreak

Since the last update on October 4, 2018, federal health officials have added 63 more ill people to the salmonella-contaminated ground beef outbreak. The total number of infection raised to 120 people in 22 states. The reports began on August 5 and hurt people ranging in age from less than on years old to 88. However, the average age was 42. The CDC says reports indicate 33 people needed to be hospitalized. The investigation is still ongoing as reports can take a month to be reported to the CDC.
Stores sold the meat under many different brand names at many different stores, and the establishment mark (Est. 267) is the best way to identify recalled beef. Stores sold the ground beef under several labels, including Cedar River Farms, Gourmet Burger, Grass Run Farms Natural Beef, JBS Generic, Showcase and Showcase/Walmart. The USDA says stores sold the affected products at many different locations, including Walmart Stores in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas; Winn Dixie stores in Florida and Georgia and Sam’s Club stores in 26 states.
Federal officials believe the illnesses are connected to a recall of 6.5 million pounds of ground beef processed at JBS Tolleson company in Tolleson, Arizona, earlier this month.

If Injured by the Outbreak

Food poisoning lawsuits play an important role in keeping food systems safe. These lawsuits hold negligent corporations accountable. Plus, it shows lawmakers that food safety is imperative.  When outbreaks caused by bacteria or viruses injure people, most of the time it is from a manufacturer being negligent. The company is fully aware of their potentially dangerous practices and do not correct it. Thus, they endanger customers’ lives.