In recent years, the United States has experienced an ongoing wave of notable food poisoning outbreaks. According to Food Poisoning Lawyer Ron Simon:
“These outbreaks highlight the vulnerabilities within the food supply chain and underscore the importance of stringent food safety measures.”
Here’s a detailed look at eight of the most recent foodborne illness outbreaks, including their causes, impact, and response efforts. Ron Simon, as a national food safety lawyer, has played a key role in each.
Salmonella in Gold Medal Flour (April 2023)
One of the major foodborne outbreaks of 2023 involved Salmonella Infantis linked to Gold Medal unbleached and bleached all-purpose flour produced by General Mills. This outbreak affected 14 people across 13 states, including California, Minnesota, and Virginia. The contamination was traced to a production facility, and those affected reported consuming raw dough made from the contaminated flour. While no deaths were reported, three people were hospitalized.
This outbreak prompted a recall of two-, five-, and ten-pound bags of flour with specific “best if used by” dates. Consumers were advised to avoid eating raw flour and to ensure proper food handling to prevent cross-contamination. The outbreak was declared over by the CDC in June 2023.
Hepatitis A Linked to Frozen Organic Strawberries (February 2023)
An outbreak of hepatitis A in early 2023 was linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico. These strawberries were sold at several retailers, and the outbreak primarily affected Washington, California, and other states, with six confirmed cases. The most common symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. Two people were hospitalized due to this outbreak, but no deaths were reported.
The affected products were recalled, and health authorities urged anyone who had consumed the contaminated strawberries to seek medical attention if symptoms developed. Additionally, they advised unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated against hepatitis A as a preventive measure.
Salmonella in Papa Murphy’s Raw Cookie Dough (May 2023)
In another Salmonella outbreak, raw cookie dough from Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake pizza chain was identified as the source. The outbreak resulted in 26 illnesses across six states, including Oregon, California, and Utah. Four people required hospitalization, but no deaths were reported. The outbreak was traced to the consumption of raw Chocolate Chip Cookie and S’mores Bars dough sold at Papa Murphy’s stores before May 23, 2023.
Papa Murphy’s immediately halted the sale of these dough products and launched an investigation. Consumers were reminded that raw cookie dough should never be eaten due to the risk of contamination, and the chain implemented stronger food safety measures following the incident.
Cyclospora Infections Linked to Fresh Produce (Summer 2023)
An outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasitic infection linked to fresh produce, affected more than 2,200 people in 40 states from May through October 2023. Cyclospora is known for causing gastrointestinal illness, with symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Most of the people affected had not traveled outside the U.S., indicating that the contamination occurred domestically.
The CDC worked to trace the contaminated produce but did not conclusively identify the specific product or supplier. This outbreak emphasized the risks associated with fresh produce, especially when proper handling and washing are not followed. Fortunately, most of the cases were mild, and the outbreak subsided by the fall.
Listeria in Leafy Greens (2023)
Another significant outbreak in 2023 involved Listeria monocytogenes contamination in leafy greens, which sickened 19 people across 16 states. Eighteen of these individuals required hospitalization, highlighting the severity of listeriosis, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised. The investigation indicated that the patients had consumed leafy greens, but no specific brand or supplier was identified.
Listeria can be particularly challenging to trace because symptoms can take weeks to develop. The CDC and FDA conducted thorough environmental and supply chain investigations, yet pinpointing the exact source proved difficult. This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining cold chains and hygienic handling throughout food production.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs (September 2024)
A significant outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in September 2024 was linked to eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market. As of early September, 65 people in nine states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, had been infected, with 24 hospitalizations reported. The outbreak was traced to contaminated eggs distributed to restaurants and retailers in these states.
The investigation revealed contamination at Milo’s Poultry Farms’ packing facility and poultry house, which matched the strain of Salmonella causing the illnesses. In response, the farm issued a voluntary recall of all eggs, covering both organic and non-GMO varieties. Consumers were advised to avoid consuming or selling the recalled eggs, and businesses were urged to follow proper cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination. The outbreak, though still ongoing, has raised awareness of proper egg handling practices
E. coli Outbreak from Organic Walnuts (April 2024)
In early 2024, an outbreak of E. coli O157 was linked to bulk organic walnuts sold in natural food and co-op stores across several states, including California and Washington. A total of 13 illnesses were reported, with seven hospitalizations but no deaths. The walnuts, distributed by Gibson Farms, were sold in bulk bins and may have been repackaged by stores into different containers, complicating the recall process.
The outbreak prompted the FDA and CDC to issue warnings to consumers, advising them to discard any walnuts purchased from affected stores and clean any surfaces that may have come in contact with the product. The investigation concluded in July 2024, and while the outbreak was declared over, it highlighted the risks of contamination in bulk food items.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak and Wrongful Death Lawsuit (August 2024)
In August 2024, a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to Boar’s Head ready-to-eat deli meats, particularly liverwurst, shook the food industry. The outbreak resulted in 57 confirmed cases across 18 states, with 57 hospitalizations and eight fatalities. The CDC and FDA traced the contamination to multiple Boar’s Head products, which were produced between June and July 2024 and sold at various delis and grocery stores.
This outbreak was particularly concerning due to the high vulnerability of certain populations to Listeria, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In many cases, individuals were hospitalized with severe symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and neurological issues. Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives due to this outbreak.
Following the outbreak, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the family of a victim who died after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst. The lawsuit, filed against Boar’s Head Provisions Co. and the retail deli where the product was purchased, alleges that the company failed to prevent contamination during production and distribution. The plaintiffs argue that inadequate safety measures, such as improper handling and storage of ready-to-eat meats, contributed to the outbreak, resulting in the untimely death of their family member.
This Boar’s Head Listeria Wrongful Death Lawsuit has drawn significant attention to the responsibilities of food manufacturers and retailers in ensuring food safety, especially in ready-to-eat products where cross-contamination can lead to widespread harm. The legal case is ongoing, and it is expected to raise important questions about corporate accountability and public health safety standards.
Conclusion
These outbreaks highlight the diverse challenges posed by foodborne illnesses in the United States. From Salmonella in widely consumed products like flour and cookie dough to parasitic infections from fresh produce, the food industry must remain vigilant in maintaining safety protocols. For consumers, proper food handling, thorough cooking, and awareness of product recalls are essential steps to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses. As the food supply chain grows more complex, swift detection, and response to outbreaks remain critical in protecting public health.
