34 In PA Sickened In New Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Fruit: CDC

PENNSYLVANIA – A salmonella outbreak linked to fruit has sickened 96 people, including 34 in Pennsylvania, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Thursday. A New Jersey company is behind the outbreak that could impact schools, restaurants, banquet facilities, and more, officials said.

The salmonella strain has hit 11 states, and 27 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, the CDC said. No deaths have been reported.

Pennsylvania has the second highest number of reported cases, behind Delaware, where 39 cases have been reported.

The Food and Drug Administration and CDC traced the outbreak to fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, N.J.

Federal health officials are warning people to take extra precautions since Tailor Cut Produce products may be found in restaurants, banquet facilities, hotels, schools, long-term care facilities and institutional food service establishments in Pennsylvania as well as Delaware, New Jersey, and New York.

The recalled fruit products were distributed between Nov. 15 and Dec. 1 the company recalled the products Dec. 7.

The FDA says nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other facilities that cater to vulnerable populations should not sell or serve them. Facilities should consult with their distributor to confirm the source of the fruit mix and cut fruit.

Other states impacted include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

Symptoms include high fever (temperature over 102 degrees), bloody stool, diarrhea, and frequent vomiting.