Salmonella-Tainted Ground Beef Sickens 16 in 5 States

ATLANTAThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to the consumption of ground beef that has sickened 16 people in five states. Seven people have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.

Collaborative investigative efforts of state, local and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicated that ground beef produced by Jouni Meats, Inc., and Gab Halal Foods are likely sources of the outbreak. Jouni Meats recalled approximately 500 pounds of ground beef products on Jan. 24, 2013; Gab Halal Foods recalled approximately 550 pounds of ground beef products on Jan. 25, 2013.

Among 16 persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from Dec 9, 2012, to Jan. 7, 2013. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), Illinois (2), Iowa (1), Michigan (9) and Wisconsin (3). The 7 case-patients consumed raw beef kibbeh on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, 2012. It is not known at this time if this outbreak strain has any drug resistance; results are pending. FSIS is continuing to work with public health partners and CDC on this investigation.