Salmonella Is Everywhere

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a growing outbreak of Salmonella linked to contaminated jalapeños originating from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. The outbreak has affected 431 people across 32 states, with 57 requiring hospitalization. Coast Citrus Distributors agreed to recall the affected produce, leading to the removal of jalapeño-containing products from various stores such as Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Target.

In a separate incident, a Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has sickened 98 people in 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations. The source of these eggs was identified as Midwest Poultry Services, though the company's eggs were not the only cause, and other sources are under investigation. The company initiated a voluntary recall of 19 million eggs produced and distributed from farms in Texas.

A recall of Hampton Grocers' Lacnola Lactation Granola due to possible salmonella contamination from organic moringa powder has also been issued. Moringa is a nutrient-dense green powder made from the leaves of the South Asian moringa tree. Salmonella outbreaks related to imported moringa leaf powder and dietary supplements containing moringa have occurred since last year.

Salmonella can also contaminate dog food, with Oma’s Pride recalling bags of its Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe after a consumer complaint led to a positive test result for salmonella. Three dog illnesses have been reported. Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically occurring 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. The infection can be severe and even fatal for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Food safety expert Ellen Shumaker of NC State Extension notes that summer outbreaks are common due to increased consumption of fresh produce and outdoor dining. Warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for bacteria like salmonella and parasites like cyclospora to grow. Food left unrefrigerated for more than two hours can become unsafe to eat.

Salmonella can infect both people and animals, with egg recalls involving a strain known as Salmonella enteritidis, which can colonize the reproductive tract of laying hens and contaminate eggs before the shell is formed. Human contamination can occur through contaminated feed, water, soil, or contact with infected wildlife or other animals. The FDA requires egg producers with 3,000 or more laying hens to test for this type of salmonella.

Fresh produce can be contaminated through contaminated irrigation water, which is believed to be the primary vehicle for spreading cyclospora. Edward Dudley, a food science professor at Penn State, explains that in regions with intensive agriculture, the proximity of animal waste sources to crops increases the risk of salmonella and E. coli contamination through surface waters used for irrigation.

He advises people to wash their hands before handling food, clean food-prep and cooking surfaces, refrigerate perishables promptly, cook foods to a safe internal temperature, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, eggs, and poultry separate from other foods in the kitchen.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has encouraged people to be cautious while enjoying fresh produce but stresses that cooking is the most effective way to eliminate salmonella outbreaks.