Sushi Salmonella Outbreak Being Investigated by FDA, CDC

An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning that may have sickened nearly 100 people nationwide is currently being investigated by FDA and CDC officials, and information appears to suggest that the illnesses may be linked to spicy tuna roll sushi sold at various restaurants nationwide.  

According to a report by MSNBC.com, an internal FDA memo indicates that at least 90 people in 19 different states and the District of Columbia may be suffering from food poisoning caused by the same strain of salmonella, known as salmonella Bareilly.

Although the information was inadvertently released and the cause and scope of the outbreak is still being investigated, many of the individuals appear to have eaten spicy tuna roll sushi before suffering food poisoning symptoms. The sushi has been identified as “highly suspect”, but that information may be proven wrong later.

At least 7 people have been hospitalized from Bareilly salmonella poisoning, which can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. Although most healthy adults recover within a few days or weeks, young children, the elderly and those with a weakened immune system may be at a greater risk of more serious illness.

The FDA has not identified any particular restaurant chain or supplier that may be linked to the suspected sushi, but health officials appear to be focusing on several restaurants in Texas, Wisconsin, Maryland and Connecticut as possible sources of the outbreak.

According to the internal FDA memo, most of the cases involved in the potential sushi salmonella outbreak are located on the eastern coast or Gulf coast, but cases have been reported as far wast as Missouri and Texas.