Consumers warned of a Salmonella outbreak

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments, are involved in an ongoing investigation of an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium.

Current public health data indicates that pre-packaged salad greens produced by BrightFarms, Inc., of Rochelle, Ill., are the source of a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in Wisconsin and Illinois. Nine people are infected, with one hospitalization (four in Wisconsin, five in Illinois). Illnesses started between June 10 and June 15.

“At this time, DHS urges consumers not to purchase, eat or serve BrightFarms branded pre-packaged salad greens,” said the DHS communicable diseases supervisor Ryan Wozniak. “Consumers and food service establishments who have BrightFarms salad greens with any ‘best-by’ date, should not eat, serve or sell any of the recalled products.”

Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella bacteria that are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food, or water, or by direct or indirect contact with fecal matter from infected people, or animals. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pains and fever, while vomiting can start six hours after eating a contaminated product and last for several days.

Bloodstream infections can occur, but are rare, and can be quite serious in young children and older adults. Most people recover from salmonellosis on their own, but some may require extra fluids to prevent dehydration.

If someone has consumed any of the BrightFarms brand pre-packaged salad greens and are experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis, contact a healthcare provider. Consumers experiencing symptoms should also contact their local health department.

The DHS also advises consumers to check their refrigerators for any leftover product and throw it away. Produce drawers and refrigerator surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly after throwing out the product.

These packaged salad greens are sold in disposable plastic containers at various grocery stores and are labeled with the phrase “fresh from Rochelle, IL.” The salads from the Illinois farm are distributed to at least four states – Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana.

BrightFarms products associated with a voluntary recall are currently 50/50 Spring & Spinach Butter CrispTM; Harvest Crunch® Lakeside Crunch Mighty RomaineTM NutrigreensTM; and Spring Crunch Spring Mix Sunny Crunch®.

Additional products may be added to the recall list of the FDA website as this investigation continues.