Here is a list of some of the most serious foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States, based on the number of cases, severity of illnesses, and deaths. These outbreaks highlight the importance of food safety regulations and practices – something at the center Ron Simon & Associates’ practice as the Nation’s Leading Food Safety Attorneys.
1. 1924–1925 Typhoid Fever Outbreak
- Cause: Raw oysters
- Cases: Over 1,500
- Deaths: More than 150
2. 1993 E. coli O157Outbreak (Jack in the Box)
- Cause: Undercooked beef patties
- Cases: 732
- Deaths: 4
- Significance: Led to significant changes in food safety regulations and awareness.
3. 2006 E. coli O157Outbreak (Spinach)
- Cause: Contaminated spinach
- Cases: 205
- Deaths: 5
- Significance: Resulted in a widespread recall of spinach and increased safety protocols for leafy greens.
4. 2011 Listeriosis Outbreak (Cantaloupe)
- Cause: Contaminated cantaloupe
- Cases: 147
- Deaths: 33
- Significance: One of the deadliest foodborne outbreaks in recent U.S. history.
5. 1985 Listeriosis Outbreak (Mexican-style soft cheese)
- Cause: Contaminated cheese
- Cases: 142
- Deaths: 52
- Significance: Resulted in stricter regulations for dairy products.
6. 2009 Salmonella Outbreak (Peanut Butter)
- Cause: Contaminated peanut butter
- Cases: Over 700
- Deaths: 9
- Significance: Led to one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history.
7. 2008 Salmonella Outbreak (Jalapeño and Serrano Peppers)
- Cause: Contaminated peppers
- Cases: 1,442
- Deaths: 2
8. 1996 Cyclospora Outbreak (Raspberries)
- Cause: Contaminated raspberries from Guatemala
- Cases: Over 1,000
- Significance: Led to increased regulation of imported produce.
9. 2015 Salmonella Outbreak (Cucumbers)
- Cause: Contaminated cucumbers
- Cases: 907
- Deaths: 6
10. 2018 E. coli O157Outbreak (Romaine Lettuce)
- Cause: Contaminated romaine lettuce
- Cases: 210
- Deaths: 5
11. 1999 Salmonella Outbreak (Raw Almonds)
- Cause: Contaminated almonds
- Cases: 167
- Significance: Led to pasteurization requirements for raw almonds.
12. 2008 Salmonella Outbreak (Tomatoes)
- Cause: Initially thought to be tomatoes but later linked to jalapeños
- Cases: 1,442
- Deaths: 2
13. 2007 Botulism Outbreak (Canned Chili Sauce)
- Cause: Contaminated canned chili sauce
- Cases: 8
- Significance: Highlighted the dangers of improperly processed canned goods.
14. 2017 E. coli O157Outbreak (Soy Nut Butter)
- Cause: Contaminated soy nut butter
- Cases: 32
- Deaths: 0
- Significance: Affected mostly children.
15. 2006 E. coli O157Outbreak (Taco Bell Lettuce)
- Cause: Contaminated lettuce
- Cases: 71
- Deaths: 0
16. 2007 Salmonella Outbreak (Peter Pan Peanut Butter)
- Cause: Contaminated peanut butter
- Cases: 625
- Deaths: 0
17. 1982 E. coli O157Outbreak (McDonald’s)
- Cause: Contaminated hamburgers
- Cases: 47
- Deaths: 0
- Significance: One of the first recognized E. coli outbreaks in the U.S.
18. 2012 Salmonella Outbreak (Ground Beef)
- Cause: Contaminated ground beef
- Cases: 46
- Deaths: 0
19. 2010 Salmonella Outbreak (Shell Eggs)
- Cause: Contaminated eggs
- Cases: 1,939
- Deaths: 0
20. 2003 Hepatitis A Outbreak (Green Onions)
- Cause: Contaminated green onions from Mexico
- Cases: Over 600
- Deaths: 3
21. 2015 Listeriosis Outbreak (Blue Bell Ice Cream)
- Cause: Contaminated ice cream
- Cases: 10
- Deaths: 3
- Significance: Led to a nationwide recall of Blue Bell products.
22. 2006 Salmonella Outbreak (Tomatoes)
- Cause: Contaminated tomatoes
- Cases: 183
- Deaths: 0
23. 2013 Hepatitis A Outbreak (Pomegranate Seeds)
- Cause: Contaminated pomegranate seeds from Turkey
- Cases: 162
- Deaths: 0
24. 2017 Listeriosis Outbreak (Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses)
- Cause: Contaminated deli meats and cheeses
- Cases: 8
- Deaths: 4
25. 2002 Listeriosis Outbreak (Turkey Deli Meat)
- Cause: Contaminated deli meat
- Cases: 54
- Deaths: 8
These outbreaks have had significant impacts on food safety policies, consumer awareness, and the food industry as a whole.
